Nike and Donkey Kong team up to launch a line of sneakers inspired by the classic video game

Nike’s .Swoosh division is surprising us with an upcoming release that seems to be inspired by one of the oldest video game mascots. According to Sneakernews, Nike is working on a new Air Max 1 line with some Air Max 1 Low Poly’s that are clearly inspired by Donkey Kong.

How are the Donkey Kong-inspired tennis shoes?

The design of the sneakers, called “Big Head Origins,” revisits classic elements from the 1987 game, such as Donkey Kong’s signature brown fur and red tie, but with a modern, urban twist. The swoosh and plastic eyelet in a bold red feature a polygonal treatment reminiscent of vintage video game graphics. The woven tongue label has a low-res effect, while the heel features a circular rubber Nike Air badge in yellow.

Full screen

Although this is not an official collaboration with Nintendo, Nike has not hesitated to show the inspiration behind this design. The shoe’s insole features a pixelated background with “DS” coin graphics (after DotSwoosh instead of Donkey Kong) and the iconic banana peel from the franchise’s games.

The release of the .Swoosh Nike Air Max 1 “Big Head Origins” is unconfirmed, but is expected for the Spring/Summer 2025 season at a price of $150. Considering that Nike’s Air Max Day celebration takes place in March, it is possible that this pair will be released next month. T

Will there be an official announcement about this collaboration soon? Or will it just remain a tribute to Donkey Kong? The big gorilla has been on everyone’s lips with the recent launch of Donkey Kong Country Returns HD on Nintendo Switch and the recent opening of his area in Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan.

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