Skepta x Nike SK SHOX

Skepta’s long-standing collaboration with Nike reignites once more, as the duo work together to deliver a smoking-hot rendition of an early ‘00s classic. Stepping away from his previous SK Air ventures, this time the grime kingpin opts for a cushioning technology that’s been held in high regard in the UK’s streetwear scene since its inception.

Originally landing in ’03, the SHOX TL touched down at a time when the grime scene was still in its infancy. Pioneering acts like Kano were shutting down sets across pirate radio and releasing seminal white label records, while Dizzee Rascal’s skill set and hard work on his ‘Boy in da Corner’ album earnt him a Mercury Award – all helping to set the foundations for the genre we all know today. Lurking behind the scenes, Skepta was starting his musical journey as a DJ for Tottenham-based grime collective Meridian Crew. He took to the mic shortly after they parted ways in ’05 and I guess you can say he’s never looked back since.

“It is important to make people believe that they can feel royal — that if they work hard, their work will be recognized and appreciated and celebrated.”

Skepta’s journey is one that’s so widespread it’s seen him bestowed a chieftainship in his parents’ home state of Ogun in Nigeria in 2018. For Skepta, the honour made him realise that anyone can be a chief, but not everyone grows up believing its possible. And it’s this abstract concept, and belief that is channelled into his latest release.

First teased in the video to ‘Bullet From A Gun’, another one of Skepta’s influences comes from his memories of travelling up north and the Manchester street-scene:

“all the kids were rocking SHOX. It was a real street shoe there. I liked their swag.”

Utilising Nikes SHOX TL silhouette, a combination of blacked-out breathable mesh and nylon panels make up the upper, locked into place by a glossy TPU cage to keep your foot stable and secure. The intricate, full-length Shox sole unit sports a bold red palette, with metallic sidewall Swooshes and ‘SK Shox’ branding at the tongue rounding off the collaborative effort. Finally, a decorative lion print paints the trainer’s insole, infusing the trainer with a touch of Skepta’s Nigerian heritage.

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The Skepta SK Shox TL has now sold out.