Supreme Selects the Air Tailwind IV for Its Newest Nike Collab
- Words Anteneh Gebre
- Date March 18, 2019
After months of rumors and leaked images, the Supreme x Nike Air Tailwind IV has been officially confirmed.
With the Air Tailwind IV approaching its 20th anniversary (the model originally dropped in 1999) and bulky sneaker silhouettes trending, it’s obvious that Nike would be preparing to re-release original colorways of the shoe later this year. But even with anniversary buzz, what better way to bring a shoe back into the hype than with a Supreme collaboration?
While the original Air Tailwind IV featured leather and mesh on the upper, Supreme opted for bouclé and suede materials highlighted by iridescent piping. The sneaker will be available in two colorways: black/metallic blue and white/red, each with Supreme branding on the tongue and co-branding on the heel and insole. To round out the offering, the duo will be releasing a a co-branded Dri-Fit running cap, featuring bouclé material at the sides will release along with the shoes.
Ignoring the fact that the shoe is enjoying an anniversary-inspired revival, some may balk at Supreme’s choice to co-opt the silhouette for this season’s Nike sneaker collab. However, the Air Tailwind IV’s association to the streets goes back to the silhouette’s very beginning. Colloquially known as “Jailwinds,” the Air Tailwind IV gained a massive cult popularity in Australia, notably among petty criminals and inmates. While it’s unclear what specifically caused the connection—some say it’s original pricetag of A$250 helped it become “the most stolen shoe in Australian shoplifting history,” while others claim its nickname comes from the prison bar-like ribbing on the side of the shoe—there’s no separating the fact that the Air Tailwind IV has a checkered cultural history.
The Supreme x Nike Air Tailwind IV drops this Thursday, March 21, at Supreme’s US, European and online stores. It will release on March 23 in Japan. Be sure to check Grailed shortly after 11 am as items make their way to the Hype marketplace.
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