Nike releases Nike Air Fear of God 1 with Jerry Lorenzo

By

Gabriella Lacombe

Published
Nov 13, 2018

Nike has partnered with Fear of God founder and creative director Jerry Lorenzo to create the Nike Air Fear of God 1, available in two colorways. 

The "court-ready" footwear was made in a collaboration between the designer and Leo Chang, Nike Basketball's senior footwear design director, and features a double-height Zoom Air heel unit. The basketball shoe has made a uniquely gradual public debut via the most recent Fear of God collection preview, as well as surprise appearances on the feet of NBA players, as part of what Nike called "Lorenzo’s desire to focus on the emotional element of sport." 

“We live in a day and age when images are leaked left and right, and products are leaked without consideration and emotional attachments," Lorenzo said in a release. "I’m aiming to give a visceral experience whether the kid sees it first on Ben Simmons coming into the arena or worn by his favorite athletes on court.”

According to Lorenzo, both the shoe's design and release were heavily inspired by the sneaker culture of his youth in the 80s and 90s, when athletes were the arbiters of street style. 

"Contrary to what's happening now, it was our superstar athletes and our pro athletes that were informing the way that we wore our street clothes,” the designer continued. “These athletes, like Agassi and Jordan, were at the top of their game and what they wore didn’t compromise on design or beauty.”

A former athlete, the designer became interested in working with Nike after the brand's 30th anniversary Just Do It campaigns, most notably featuring Colin Kaepernick, appealed to Lorenzo's interest in the cultural significance of pro-athletes and the athletic spirit. 

The full Nike Air Fear of God collection will be released on December 15.