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A retro Nike sneaker is about to take on the look of the most beloved Batman villain.
A new edition of the Nike Air Max 180 has immediately drawn comparisons to the Joker for its use of lime green and purple. Most of the suede and neoprene sneaker arrives in black, but its accenting colors invoke the Joker’s famous wardrobe. The outsole extends to the midsole’s arc over the heel Air Max unit in lime green to match the laces and Nike Air heel logo, while the heel stabilizer and tongue “180” mark arrive in purple. A portion of the outsole also arrives in translucent purple beneath the Air Max unit, and capping off the sneaker is a white suede Swoosh.
Sneakerheads regularly give a “Joker” nickname to sneakers making use of green and purple, but Stray Rats and New Balance invoked Batman’s nemesis in official fashion for a 2019 993v3 collaboration.
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The Air Max 180 made its debut in 1991 and was the brain child of two legendary Nike designers, Tinker Hatfield and Bruce Kilgore. The idea was to make Air Max technology more visible then ever, and a blow moulding process allowed it to take up more territory through the heel. Urethane was also used for an outsole for the first time on the model, while neoprene helped provide a snug fit.
Just this year, Nike brought back the Air Max 180 with a one-to-one recreation of its original proportions for the first time in the “Ultramarine” colorway. The return of the “Concord” edition was also relished, as it was worn by Michael Jordan in a photoshoot for the 1992 Olympic “Dream Team.”
The Nike Air Max 180 “Joker” doesn’t yet have a firm release date but is expected to release before the end of 2024 with a price of $150. This post will be updated as more information becomes available.
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About the Author:
Ian Servantes is a Senior 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.
