All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Footwear News may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Regular partners Stüssy and Nike are teaming up once again, this time to slap (faux) snakeskin on a trio of the Flight ’89. A scaly texture is hardly unfamiliar when it comes to Nike sneakers, particularly because of the Kobe line, but rarely is it ever rendered so realistically.
Three colorways make use of two distinct snakeskin treatments for a series of releases slated to go down over the next two weeks. A brown and white snakeskin makes its appearance on two predominantly white sneakers, one with brown accents and another with red. A third version in black and white then gets its own matching snakeskin treatment making it the most monochromatic of the lot.
All three of the sneakers reserve snakeskin for the strap-like overlays near midfoot to go along with Stüssy’s double-S logo on the lateral side. “Air Stüssy” is then embroidered onto the tongue, while the small profile Swooshes and “Nike Air” branding on the tongue stay true to the model’s OG form. Both the “Habanero” and “Pecan” colorways make use of an off-white speckled midsole, while the black iteration once again deviates by opting for one that’s more grey.
Watch on FN
Although Nike regularly reissues the Air Flight ’89, which is currently one year into a return after a two-year hiatus prior, it still remains relatively undersung because of its place in another model’s shadow. Both the Air Flight ’89 and the Air Jordan 4 released in the same year and share some of the same tooling, but one clearly remains more heralded than the other. With both shoes turning 25 next year, Nike could very well explore that relationship further as part of the anniversary plans it likely has in store.
For the collaboration’s campaign, Stüssy released a video in which models try to skateboard, dribble a basketball, and otherwise goof off in a jet blast.
The Stüssy x Nike Air Flight ’89 will first release with all three colorways available through Stüssy’s website and physical stores this Friday, Dec. 8, before the SNKRS app hosts another release Dec. 13 for only the “Pecan” colorway. Both release avenues will also include an accompanying apparel capsule. Pricing for the Air Flight ’89 is set at $160.
Shop Similar Styles Now
About the Author:
Ian Servantes is a Senior Trending News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.
