The Air Presto OG x Off-White Collaboration: A Sneakerhead's Dream

Title: The Air Presto OG x Off-White Collaboration: A Sneakerhead's Dream

Sneaker collaborations are nothing new, but every once in a while, a pair comes along that creates a buzz like no other. The Air Presto OG x Off-White collaboration is one such release. The partnership between Nike's Air Presto and Virgil Abloh's Off-White brand resulted in a sneaker that was highly anticipated and coveted by sneakerheads worldwide. In this article, we'll dive into the history of the Air Presto and Off-White, explore the design concepts behind the collaboration, and discuss the impact of this release on the sneaker industry.

The Air Presto OG: A Sneaker Ahead of Its Time

The Air Presto first made its debut in 2000, during an era when running sneakers were bulky and lacked the sleekness and lightness that the Presto had. Tinker Hatfield, the legendary designer behind the Air Max and Air Jordan lines, created the Air Presto. The sneaker's aim was to provide a minimalist, sock-like fit; therefore, it didn't have the usual backstay or tongue. Instead, it had a stretchy upper made of mesh to hug the foot, with nylon overlays for support. Additionally, the shoe had Nike's then-new cushioning tech, the Nike Air-Sole unit, in the forefoot and heel. The Air Presto quickly garnered attention for its futuristic design, unique sizing system (XS-XXXL, with half sizes), and various colorways.

Off-White: The Intersection of Streetwear and High Fashion

When you hear the name Virgil Abloh, Off-White usually comes to mind. Abloh, who was Kanye West's creative director, founded Off-White in 2013. The brand quickly garnered attention for its "Industrial Belt," which has become a signature item in Abloh's designs. Off-White is known for its designs that integrate streetwear with high fashion, the latter aspect stemming from Abloh's relationships with notable fashion houses, such as Louis Vuitton. Off-White has become a favorite of fashion enthusiasts around the world, with collaborations with brands like Jordan, Converse, and Ikea.

The Air Presto OG x Off-White: The Fusion of Two Brands

The Air Presto OG x Off-White collaboration dropped in 2017, with two colorways: Black/White and White/Black. The sneakers were part of Abloh's larger "The Ten" collaboration with Nike, in which he reimagined ten Nike icons with his signature deconstructed design. The Air Presto x Off-White has several features that distinguish it from the original Air Presto. Firstly, Abloh added the word "AIR" on the sole and "SHOELACES" on the laces, in his usual font. The Nike Swoosh was replaced with a stitched Swoosh that made it look like it was manually added to the sneaker. There was also an orange tag with "Off-White" written on it, hanging from the side of each pair.

The impact of the Air Presto OG x Off-White on the sneaker industry

The Air Presto OG x Off-White collaboration was released to a lot of hype in the sneaker industry, with people camping out for days to get their hands on a pair. The unique design features of the collaboration and the limited release created a frenzy among sneakerheads. The success of the Air Presto OG x Off-White led to more collaborations between Nike and Off-White, ultimately resulting in Abloh becoming a design consultant for Louis Vuitton. The OG Air Presto is also seeing a resurgence in popularity since the collaboration's release, with more people becoming interested in the sneaker's unique design and functionality.

In conclusion, the Air Presto OG x Off-White collaboration was a sneakerhead's dream come true. It brought together two brands that put their stamp on the fashion and sneaker industries, resulting in a unique interpretation of a classic sneaker. Its impact on the sneaker world is still evident to this day, as collaborations between fashion and sneaker brands become more commonplace. Although it's been a few years since its initial release, the Air Presto OG x Off-White will always be a sneaker that sneakerheads covet and appreciate.