The iconic Nike Air Safari pattern has been a staple in Nike‘s design language for decades. The print has been featured on numerous footwear models, from the SB Dunk Low to the GT Hustle 3, but its origins date back to the 1980s when Tinker Hatfield created the pattern inspired by an ostrich skin couch he saw in a New York City furniture store. The resulting “Safari” print is a unique interpretation of the textile, and its impact on the world of footwear is undeniable.
The Nike Air Safari, which made its debut in 1987, is a shoe that has stood the test of time. Its OG colorway, featuring black and brown leather with an ostrich skin-inspired pattern on the mudguard, heel, and collar, is a true classic. The shoe’s revival maintains its seminal color scheme, and its return to the market is a testament to its enduring appeal.
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atmos, a Japanese boutique, played a significant role in bringing the Air Safari back into the spotlight in 2003 with their collaboration on the Air Max 1. The shoe’s OG colorway was reimagined, and the result was a shoe that many sneakerheads consider the best Air Max 1 of all time. This collaboration not only breathed new life into the Nike Air Safari but also inspired a number of other releases, including several additional Atmos x Nike collaborations.
Later in July, a range of basketball and running silhouettes will receive their own Safari-inspired makeovers, coinciding with the Paris Olympics.
The Nike Air Safari “Black/Monarch” will return to the market on July 19th, 2024, priced at $140.
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