Nike Turned Backlash Over Its USPS AF1 Into a Winning Collab
Brand: Nike
Model: Air Force 1 Experimental
Release Date: TBC
Price: TBC
Buy: Nike and select retailers
What We're Saying: Nike turned an L into a W quickly by turning the backlash surrounding this release into a winning collab.
Last month, Nike found itself in some hot water when it first teased the Air Force 1 Experimental, which heavily takes inspiration from the USPS' Priority Mail shopping boxes – however, at the time, without seeking out USPS to collaborate.
Not only did Nike use the USPS' intellectual property without authorization, but as USPS pointed out, the Postal service receives no tax dollars and relies entirely on merch sales. So for the multi-billion sportswear giant to make a Postal Service-inspired shoe without sharing the wins... that didn't sit right with many people.
However, it seems the backlash achieved one thing: the Swoosh and USPS have struck a deal. In an official statement, the United States Postal Service revealed that it will be releasing the shoe with Nike officially. Although no formal details regarding the resolution have been disclosed, it is safe to assume that the USPS will be compensated in some way from the proceeds of the sale.
There is no release information yet for the official Priority Mail-inspired USPS x Nike Air Force 1 Experimental, but keep it here for updates.
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