For the latest episode of size? collections we pay a visit to one of our Manchester store staff members – Nick Piredda – who owns a sentimental collection of all things Nike & Jordan that’s strongly influenced by his childhood in Italy. Find it all below.

‘‘It all began when I was a kid,’’ Nick tells us, ‘‘I used to play football in the local village where I was from and our local team was sponsored by Juventus who provided us with Nike uniforms.’’ This act of club generosity spawned Nick’s and many others who lived in his village community into adopting Nike as ‘the cool trainer’.

Vintage ‘80s and ‘90s Jordan models were the first pairs Nick enlisted into his collection which quickly branched out into other more experimental pairs such as the Nike x CLOT Cortez (CLOTEZ). Inspired by kung-fu, the CLOTEZ pushed the boundaries of how footwear can operate; a part-mule, part-training and part-outdoor design all nicely packaged within a custom yin & yang shoebox. Lovely.

Nike Air 180

‘‘This is the Nike Air 180 lime green colourway from 2005,’’ Nick introduces, as he talks through the differences between the 2005 and 2024 retro releases. ‘‘I think the ‘Ultramarine’ reissue from 2024 is the better shape, and I wish all the other OG colourways come back in this shape.’’

Technical progression within Nike is a theme that Nick has enjoyed exploring in his collection since day one. The majority of his finds have been carefully sourced and curated in order to document Beaverton design evolution from the ‘70s onwards. Now that’s commitment.

Nike ACG

‘‘I just go with the flow with what the brand proposes, what I’m drawn into and what I feel at the time.’’  Nike’s outdoor subdivision, ACG, holds a fond place in Nick’s heart as he presents a Wild Edge from 2007 which he bought off of eBay. ‘‘I’ve not seen a single person having these…’’

Drawing his collection to a close, Nick pulls the Nike Air Force 1 ‘Manchester’ – size? exclusive from out of his locker; another pair that’s overloaded with bespoke details. Notice a pattern?

Tune into more collections over on the size? blog.