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Back by popular demand, June sees the re-release of an all time classic by Nike – the Air Safari. First launched in 1987, the Air Safari, designed by none other than Tinker Hatfield (of course), was a pretty bizarre creation at the time and seen by many as a good 20 years ahead of its time. Featuring an Air unit in the sole, it was intended as a track shoe but was referred to by some as a trails shoe due to the rugged looking ostrich leather used in the upper & its relatively odd colourway. For the design, Hatfield was said to have taken inspiration from a trip to a New York furniture store where a sofa made from deluxe ostrich leather caught his attention.

Despite little promotion from Nike, the Air Safari, became popular in the footwear fraternity and a lot of that success is down to hop-hop artist Biz Markie who favoured the shoe and can be seen wearing it on the back of his 1988 hit album; ‘Goin Off’. From that day on, Nike owe a lot to Biz and his unofficial association with the Air Safari…

Retro’d in its original colourway for the first time since 2003 and only the second time since its original launch 25 years ago, the Nike Air Safari QS is scheduled to be available on Friday 15th June (subject to change from Nike) alongside a Safari inspired Air Trainer 1 QS, both of which will be available in limited numbers from size? stores & online.

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