Nike's All-Star Break: An Open Commentary

The NBA All-Star weekend is a wonderful sports holiday full of positivity, extravagance, and talent. It’s a time for star players to reset with a few days of camaraderie and unbelievable talent exposition. The latter is a laughable concept to ponder: professionals relaxing by doing what would humiliate any normal person in their attempt. Regardless, this year’s All-Star weekend left me underwhelmed. A sentiment I sensed throughout the league’s viewers. But what I am always watching more closely than the filthiest dunk or flaming-hot 3-pointer are the remarkable shoes these athletes don. The All-Star shoe selection has evolved over the years into a superb exhibition of vibrant colors and bold patterns. Why not? It’s the perfect stage for the swoosh and the three stripes to flex their imagination. But just as Steph Curry’s decision not to partake in the 3-point contest perplexed many, similarly Nike’s decision not to release an All-Star shoe lineup flummoxed me.

Now let’s rewind a bit for some recent background into the sneaker world. If you’re not up-to-date, Adidas is steadily taking over. In part because of Kanye, but really because they’ve modernized. They’ve shifted the paradigm of sneakerheads from limited edition, retail-pricey, tough-to-wear Jordans to still limited but affordable, comfortable, everyday shoes (a strikingly simple idea, when you think about it). This is a motif found throughout their recent basketball, running, and leisure shoes. Most notably, the two pairs that catapulted Adidas into sneaker stardom are the "Ultraboost" and the "NMD". Both incorporating Adidas' "boost" technology, they are stylish shoes that carry both wearability and insane comfort.  And now, Nike is barely a sneakerhead contender. So what do they do to combat a swift demise into second place? Decide not to play in basketball’s biggest sneaker stage. 

What the heck, Nike? Seriously. You are the sole reason I am a sneakerhead, everything from the ultra-rare, riot-inducing SB “Pidgeon” Dunk released in 2005 to the WWII Mustang fighter plane inspired Air Jordan V. And while my closet’s composition is now comprised of a few more Adidas than a younger me would care to admit, the respect and admiration I have for you is still paramount. But this lack of effort was disappointing. Give us a limited edition release at half-time, introduce a new signature line, or merely participate in a consumer-friendly All-Star iteration. Your options are endless and you are just the Goliath to do it. Maybe this frustration is abrupt and premature during the preamble of a Tinker Hatfield “1-3” comeback, but it would sure seem like the All-Star game is the perfect place to write the first chapter. 

P.s. If you’re wondering what those beautiful specimens are above, they are the Kobe VII’s from the 2012 All-Star “Galaxy” pack. One of Nike’s best lineups, this pack also included the highly coveted Galaxy Foamposites. A shoe worth researching if you’re unfamiliar, but be prepared to bust out the wallet if you’re looking to buy a pair as it’s near impossible to find a resale value below $1,500.