Breaker combine acrobatic tricks and creative dance moves to create an impressive show that combines sport, art and culture.

This summer, just before the sport's debut of Breaking or Breakdancing at the Olympic Games in Paris, Nike is presenting a collection of sneakers and clothing. At the heart of the collection is the Nike JAM, the first sneaker specifically designed for Breakers — athletes who have been wearing Nike sneakers for years.

In addition to the JAM, there is a whole range of pieces from the Nike sportswear collection that are tailored to the needs of break dancers and offer improved protection and freedom of movement, featuring fresh styles by long-time Nike designer and artist Futura

‍

‍

Futura is the pseudonym of the American artist Leonard Hilton McGurr, who is known as one of the pioneers of the graffiti and street art scene. He began working in New York City in the 1970s and became famous for his innovative techniques and unique style.

Futura is known for his abstract work and his experimental approach to graffiti, which differed from the more traditional tags and styles of his contemporaries.

He has not only worked on the streets, but has also exhibited in galleries and museums. He has also worked with various brands and artists, including musicians and fashion companies, thus significantly expanding the reach of his art. Through his work and influence, Futura has contributed significantly to the development and recognition of graffiti and street art as a serious form of art.

‍

‍

The JAM is the result of six years of innovation at Nike, based on extensive testing in the Nike Sport Research Lab and insights from breakers at all levels of sport.

The JAM maximizes Breakers' ability to “glide” on smooth competition surfaces as well as on concrete and asphalt. The foam midsole provides breakers with adequate protective cushioning. And its rubber cupsole offers the close-to-ground feel breakers need to perform at their peak.

‍

‍

“There’s so much that breakers can appreciate about this shoe,” says Nike athlete Logan LogistX Edra. “The Jam is the type of shoe I’d wear any time to break — whether practicing, cyphering or chillin’ — because of its traction and durability. The upside-down Swoosh is one of the dopest details because switching directions and going upside down is very unique to our craft. It is such a dope Easter egg feature that only breakers can flex. There are so many ways this shoe pays homage, and the reflectors, mesh and different fabrics on the uppers bring a nice touch.”

‍

‍

Nike designers have packaged these unique performance benefits into a stylish silhouette that pays homage to their roots and that athletes can wear with pride on and off the floor. The Jam's black and chewing gum gray color scheme is inspired by the turntable and microphone equipment used by hip-hop DJs and MCs. The beige and black color scheme is an allusion to the cardboard pads they are placed on streets to protect dancers. A third color scheme in white and black, created in collaboration with Futura, is inspired by his legendary break train artwork from 1980.

‍

‍

“Building on my history of collaborating with Nike, I’m very honored and grateful to be chosen to participate in this collection,” says Futura. “The outcome is amazing. The Jam is a beautiful, brand-new model that’s been created from the ground up for what the dancers themselves want to perform and feel comfortable in.”

‍

‍

This commitment to athletes extends to the entire clothing collection, which includes jerseys from the associations of the USA, Korea and Japan as well as tops, bottoms and accessories for break dance and hip hop fans around the world. Although there are subtle differences between the jerseys of each country, Nike has opted for a uniform design that brings athletes together on the global stage. A quote has been sewn into the lining of most garments: “Connecting souls across the world who move with the rhythm.”

‍

‍

In the collection, the designers paid attention to durability, freedom of movement and performance and, for example, incorporated a second layer of fabric in particularly stressed areas of the hoodie. Mobility has been optimised through longer sleeves and trouser legs throughout the clothing line. The designers have also used Nike Dri-FIT ADV technology to keep athletes dry and cool.

In creating the collection, Nike and Futura have reinterpreted some of the artists' most famous works of art and incorporated fresh designs inspired by his work “Break Train,” the stains in his studio and his legendary artistic signature, atoms and characters.

‍

‍

“I’m excited for the athletes who are going to rock this stuff,” says Futura. “We’re pushing the boundary of what’s possible from a manufacturing and design point of view, and everyone at Nike has been at the tip of the spear to make the collection as good as it can be. I know we’re all proud of what we’ve done, but ultimately, we’re doing this for the athletes.”

The Nike Jam and Breakdancing clothing collection is already available at select retailers. The jerseys of the associations of the USA, Korea and Japan will be released on August 1. The release of the Nike Jam “Futura” is planned for fall 2024.

‍

‍

Photos via Nike