“Papa Bear” isn’t a new style, as we have seen it a few times throughout the history of Nike. But never like this. These custom sneakers by Brett Battaglia (@tagzfootwear on Instagram) finally introduce the style to the Air Jordan 1, bringing the 2006 colourway into the future for five lucky people who pre-ordered the custom sneakers. Want to know more? Keep reading!
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Custom Air Jordan 1 “Papa Bear”
Brett Battaglia (@tagzfootwear) is a mastermind in custom Nike and Jordan sneakers, and the latest one they are bringing into the present day is “Papa Bear”.
The custom sneakers appear to be inspired by the 2006 Nike Dunk High Premium SB “Papa Bear”, with a colourway inspiration that is true to the original design, from the placement of the teddy bear fur panels to the colours, while still adapting everything to fit the Air Jordan 1 perfectly.
Most of the upper is made up of panels of denim-blue suede that you can find on the mudguard, the upper around the ankle, the lace stays, and the lower section that wraps around the heel.
It wouldn’t be “Papa Bear” Air Jordan 1 sneakers if it didn’t include the teddy bear faux fur panelling, which you can find on the toe box, the upper, and around the ankle collar.
These two relatively muted colours are complemented by the bright orange of the Swoosh logo, the laces and the script of the tongue branding, which has been customized to “Tagz” to represent the custom creator.
One of Battaglia’s reels on Instagram gives us a peek at the outsole, a bright yellow to match the bright orange on the rest of the sneakers, and a white midsole to complete the look.
Unfortunately, these sneakers were only available on pre-order, with a limited drop of only 5 places, so you might have missed it this time, but stay tuned because Battaglia might drop another release.
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Papa Bear History
The “Papa Bear” colourway has appeared a few times in the past, once with the 2006 Nike Dunk High Premium SB “Three Bears”, of which the “Papa Bear” pair was the third pair in the pack, and once with the Nike SB Dunk Low Reverse.
Since then, the colourway has been relegated to the past, but luckily for us, we have custom creators on our side who are inspired to bring these retro colourways back for us.
Hopefully, @tagzfootwear takes pity on us and opens the pre-orders again.
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TL;DR
- Brett Battaglia made a custom pair of Air Jordan 1 sneakers in the “Papa Bear” colourway, bringing the retro theme into modern fashion.
- The sneakers were true to the original 2006 Nike Dunk High Premium SB “Three Bears” with slight changes here and there, like branding and making the design better fit the silhouette.
- The sneakers were an exclusive drop available on pre-order. Still, hopefully, @tagzfootwear will open their pre-orders again for all those who missed it.
