This year marked an exciting time for Jordan Brand and Nike SB as they’ve worked their collaborative magic on the much-loved Air Jordan 4 silhouette. They successfully transformed this basketball staple into an impressively functional skate-centric model. And it’s safe to say they hit the sweet spot. By maintaining the iconic design of the Air Jordan 4 whilst injecting it with skateboarding-specific modifications, they’ve managed to win the hearts of both sneaker enthusiasts and skaters. But this creative streak within Nike’s skateboarding sub-label doesn’t end there. Their next target to get a skateboarding makeover is the undeniable classic, the Nike Air Darwin. Only this time, another creative force has joined the ranks – none other than Supreme, to help birth the Supreme x Nike SB Air Darwin Low.
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Thanks to the countless collaborations between Nike and the skateboarding lifestyle brand, Supreme probably needs no introduction. The eminent skateboarding lifestyle brand has partnered with Nike on several shoe models, from the Nike Air More Uptempo to the Supreme x Nike Courtposite, dropping later this year. We have also seen them collaborating with Nike SB previously on the “Rammellzee” project, which hit the market in August. However, it seems that 2024 is set to be another milestone year for the Nike SB and Supreme alliance, with their collaboration on the Nike Air Darwin already stirring up excitement in the sneaker sphere.
Thanks to @masterchefian, we get an early look at what we can expect from this team-up. From the pictures, Supreme has, of course, reimagined the Air Darwin with a skate-centric rebuild. For their take on the beloved classic, the brand has traded the classic leather uppers of the sneaker for a sturdier, skate-friendly canvas-like composition.
The upper proudly showcases Nike SB and Supreme co-branding on the tongue. At the same time, Supreme seizes its moment for the spotlight with its mini label sitting gracefully on the lateral side of the shoe. The silhouette’s signature backward Swoosh then sits elegantly on the same side. While many attribute this backward logo to Travis Scott, it was actually borne from the Nike Air Darwin when it was first released back in 1994.
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The Supreme x Nike Darwin Low also showcases rope-like laces, intricately woven lace loops and handy pull tabs on the heels. Fresh design elements like the mini Swoosh emblazoned on the toe box add another subtle branding detail, while the absence of the perforated leather upper and the visible heel air sole unit may have some missing out on a few familiar features.
The finishing touch lies in the chunky black sole, accented by an oversized Swoosh and a basketball symbol that make their way underfoot. And as for performance upgrades designed with the skater in mind – we can’t say for sure what to expect just yet, but it would most likely be added cushioning and an improved grip for the outsole. However, we will have to wait for official details to find out more.
As we eagerly anticipate the drop next year, there’s still no confirmed release date or pricing details. However, we do know that this anticipated partnership coincides with the Nike Air Darwin silhouette’s 30th anniversary. The Supreme x Nike SB Air Darwin Low is slated to grace four distinct colourways, including the stunning “Sail” iteration pictured here. As you can see, the “Sail” colourway boasts soft blue detailing on the branding accents and lace eyelets, as well as a sleek black tone across the inner lining, heel tab and outsole. The rest of the sneaker keeps it simple in its “Sail” hue and we expect the other colourways will be much the same.
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In case you were wondering, rarity will indeed be the hallmark of this “Sail” iteration, limited to 6,500 pairs, with other versions rumoured to be even further capped in production. If you are keen to get your hands on a pair, keep your eyes peeled for more information on their release in 2024. Until then, stay tuned for more sneaker drops and reviews.
