Liberty x Nike Sportswear Collection

Every girl I know loves it when Nike Sportswear collaborates with Liberty of London, and this year they’ll be blown away with the results. Heritage and style collide in this Summer 2012 collection, celebrating the legacy and evolution of Nike’s running innovations, remixed with signature Liberty prints.

Debuting in 1972, the Nike Cortez was the brand’s first running shoe and the lightest to hit the track. This year marks its 40th anniversary, so the Cortez has been transformed with Liberty’s legendary Lagos Laurel print.

Moving along the innovation timeline, we reach another major milestone in 1987 with the introduction of the Nike Air Max 1. This was Nike’s first shoe to feature a visible air unit, making it the most cushioned running shoe of its time. Today it is a cult streetwear classic, and has been given the unmistakeable Liberty treatment with the Lagos Laurel paisley print in an imperial purple colorway.

Nike continually looks to push boundaries and lead in product innovation, and 2004 saw yet another revolutionary progression in sportswear design with the introduction of Nike Free technology. With an outsole featuring reverse flex grooves, the result was groundbreaking – Nike’s first shoe to mimic barefoot running. At the center of this collection is the Nike Free 5.0. And as this is the first time that performance footwear has been introduced to this beloved collaboration, it will be the only style available in all three colorways – sport red, imperial purple and university gold.

The collection will also be extended with the addition of three basketball-inspired styles: the Nike Blazer Mid, Nike Hyperclave and Nike Dunk Sky High – Nike’s first silhouette to incorporate a wedge heel.

For the first time, a capsule collection of apparel will also be introduced. Inspired by definitive Nike running styles, the select line incorporates subtle Lagos Laurel print highlights on the AW 77 hoodie, tempo shorts and racer back tanks. The entire collection will be showcased exclusively in a Nike shop-in-shop at Liberty this April.

The Nike Cortez, Nike Air Max 1, Nike Free 5.0 and apparel collection will be exclusive to Liberty of London on April 2. The Nike Blazer Mid, Nike Hyperclave and Nike Dunk Sky High will be available May 1.