Cherry blossoms have long inspired fashion, spanning hundreds of years to different periods in Japanese history. In more modern times, the sakura has found its way onto Nike footwear, as seen last year with the direct homage to the DMV region on the Nike Air Foamposite One, which references the cherry blossoms found around Washington, D.C. Now, sakura is once again finding a home on Nike footwear, this time on the Nike Shox R4.
The Y2K-era sneaker features a gradient effect on the upper, transitioning from a light pink hue on the toe into a dark black as you move back toward the heel. Perforated around the eyelets and heel keep the pink theme alive, even amid black paneling, while we see more solid hits of black on the lace set, sockliner, and tongue. Direct references to the flower are scattered on the profile, with the toe featuring sakura embroidered and petals “floating” around the midfoot Swoosh.
Nike Shox branding is featured in pink atop the tongue, as is the branding window above that hosts a black S logo. The final details on the upper include the pink bubble found on the heel, while below, we see the Shox columns feature more sakura details. Here, a graphic pattern depicting the flower amongst pink hits contrasts the solid black rubber of the outsole.
The Nike Shox R4 Sakura will release in Summer 2025 through Nike and select retailers online and in-store. Available in unisex sizing, the retail price has yet to be announced. Download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
Images via Nike
Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. Concerts, music, trying new restaurants, and catching the latest movies are some of the things I enjoy when not writing for Sole Retriever. Email: nick@soleretriever.com
