Here is something we should have tested a long time ago : ID shoes from Nike. A reminder for those who would not know : ID is a customizing option Nike proposes for some of their most popular styles. Each year the brand introduces new customizeable models. They recently set the option ON for the Toki, a pair based on a chukka design which is one of our favourite from Nike. I have tried the service for you :

At the very start, I did not have any particular idea about my design but I surely loved the Toki. Then I have tried many mixtures to finally come to something in accordance of what I was looking for: a sober pair for a daily use that could match most of my outfits while keeping some touchs of originality. Then I took the plunge!

Two different leathers are proposed : smooth leather and suede. As I alrealy owned a pair from the latter, my choice was clear on this first step. The color palette is different for both options, it is more sober for the smooth leather, less adapted to summer times, but this was necessarily not a major criteria. I was on the right track picking a navy color! Then come many costumization options regarding the sole, laces colors and materials.

The hardest thing may be about the shoes’ little details : the lining, eyelets, and stichs which I have chosen light blue and red to contrast the main navy color and bring something fun. To give my Toki some more personality I equiped it of leather laces, the same type you can find on boat shoes. To top it all off, a free option allows you to embroider some initials on the sneakers’ heel: “FT” as a dedication for French Truckers semmed evident for me!

Nike announces a month for the production and shipping of their ID shoes : three weeks were enough in my case, a nice suprise then. The pair really matches what I expected from its final picture, and it also matches mid-season awful weathers! Here is a paire sastifying me a 100%, logical considering that I have customized all of its features. The price looks reasonable for such a service, tested and highly approved!

$140 from Nike Store US
$95 from Nike Store UK

Edit : Please note that Nike released the ID canvas version since the test.

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If you guys know the Cortez for what is has become today, it can’t be dissociated from Nike’s history. A starting point for which would become 40 years later the world’s leading sportswear brand. let’s go back to 1972, Phil Knight, Bill Bowerman and Jeff Johnson have just stopped selling other brand’s products to focus on their own one (1968). The legendary “swoosh” logo was freshly designed (1971) and they had been working on the “waffle shoe” for four years (1968). At that time, Jeff Johnson goes from one athletics track to another in a van to promote Nike’s products as the brand’s main salesman (was already existing but still had no branded products).

In 1972, for Munich summer Olympics, Nike proposes to American athetes to test its now shoe: the Cortez was launched! Bill Bowerman was a former athletics coach at the University of Oregon , he created the shoe following distance runner’s needs. Then Nike introduced its “waffle” canted sole, flexible as grippy, topped by another rubber shock-absorbing mid-sole. Ideal for feet comfort , both soles aimed at reducing legs fatigue and Achille’s heel effort. Its nylon fabric provided lightness. In a few words: a revolution for distance runners.

Seeing the shoes worn by American athletes during the Olympics, the public soon become fascinated for this new brand with its “swoosh” logo: immediate succes. Craze for the Cortez goes far away from a simple running shoe. U.S. university athletes henceforth keep wearing their trainers even after their training sessions, developping an urban streetwear culture. For lack of stocks the original color was navy, but the range soon started to expand to some further colorways, being worn on the athletics tracks like in the streets from then on.

Since its birth, each generation has grown up with a pair or Cortez they associate to a sportsman, a movie, from Steve Prefontaine to Forrest Gump, the shoe marked all eras. Even today in a time of sneakers culture and vintage, the Cortez still got it! Ideal for summer times thanks to its lightness, it still matches our chinos, jeans and shorts greately. By this way, Nike launched this year to possibility to costumize your own “ID” Cortez to celebrate its 40years of existence.

Available on the Nike Store – price : from €90 to €115 depends of the version (leather, suede or nylon).

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Though the Destroyer jacket has never been featured around here, it has been a long time now that we are keeping a eye on it. This varsity might be the craziest clothing piece released by Nike these last years. Since 2009 they kept revisiting it according to many collaborations or just to their own inspiration. Among all the Destroyer’s versions, this one from spring-summer 2012 is undoubtedly one of the best. Like any classic of its kind, the Destroyer varsity features a woolen body mixed with leather sleeves, and, on top of that striped cuff and hem. What especially caught our attention here is the color palette… just perfectly chosen! Do not look at it too closely, the jacket sting the eye.

£315 from Nike.co.uk
$500 from Nike.us

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French Truckers hit the road to bring you the latest shop reopened by Nike in London. They refurbished it specifically for the approaching Olympics Games next year in the English capital. Now the shop is entirely dedicated to the most exclusive Nike footwear and apparel on the market such as the Destroyer varsity from NSW (which I immediately fell in love with) or the Air Force one denim edition, but the store will also be used as a community space for screenings, events and installations. I invite you to come over and discover some great Nike items you can only find in this shop. It is basically made for you to enjoy the next London Olympics Games in 2012, as the former 1948′s London Olympics were organized to bring people a moment of peace and entertainment after the WWII.

Nike 1948
Arches 477/478
Batemans Row
Shoreditch
EC2A 3HH
United Kingdom

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To celebrate its new partnership with the French national football team, Nike released more than a simple jersey. This line from their NSW collection is far away from the fields, excepted the FFF (Fédération Française de Football) signature on all pieces. What stands out this casual collection is the “Destroyer” varsity which looks awesome, not only for supporters but also for fashionistos!

Available from your nearest Nike Store

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The Nike Air Force 1 is a classic sneakers from Nike since 1982. Air Force 1 were Nike’s No.1 technical basketball boot with Air. Here in Black/White! Materials : leather upper, synthetic sole.

£59.99 from JDSports

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Nike 6.0 Road Dog flannel shirt. Made from 100% cotton with a 6.0 leather logo patch and branded snap studs.

Sale price: £27.99 (Was £39.99) from Hardcloud

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