Nike has unveiled the International Running Pack, a new pack centered on four contemporary models tied together by the brand’s running heritage and updated modern Japanese style.
Across the Vaporfly 4, Alphafly 3, Pegasus 41, and Vomero 18, design details from historic Nike runners are recast on the contemporary road running and racing silhouettes. Coming just ahead of Tokyo’s track and field championships and debuting in the city’s UNION RUNNING DEPT. BY NIKE, furthering Nike’s decade-spanning relationship with Japan.
Lead designer of the footwear collection, Katsunobu Asayama, said the brand’s goal was to “meet Japanese runners’ appreciation for vintage styles by looking into our archive and applying some of our classic designs to modern Nike Running silhouettes — bringing that vintage look the community loves to our latest footwear innovations.” Additionally, the complementary apparel collection draws on similar themes, along with a nostalgic color palette and bold half-tone graphics.
Drawing from the Pre Montreal racing spike, the Vaporfly 4 represents the latest evolution of Nike’s “super shoe,” influenced by the legendary runner Steve Prefontaine ahead of the 1976 Olympics in Montreal. The Alphafly 3 owes its influence to the Sting, a design made two years after the Pre Montreal, known as Nike’s original suede and nylon racing flat. Finally, the Pegasus 41 mirrors elements of the Waffle Runner, and the Vomero 18 pays homage to the LD-1000. On each, 1970s-era inspiration is clear in the coloring and graphics, while the Swoosh and other details are applied using an innovative direct printing process.
Nike International Running Pack footwear and apparel will first become available at the UNION RUNNING DEPT. BY NIKE in Tokyo on August 30. The collection is set to launch throughout Japan on September 5 before releasing globally at nike.com and select retail stores on September 10.
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