NIKE SB debuts first skateboarding shoe with NIKE free sole

NIKE SB debuts first skateboarding shoe with NIKE free sole
all images courtesy NIKE

for the first time, the freedom and flexibility of the innovative NIKE free sole meets NIKE SB. the new skateboarding shoe unlocks the foot and allows it to flex and move naturally. by adapting ‘free’ technology for the harsh demands of skating, the footwear gives skaters the potential to expand their performance and imagination on their boards. made to move in sync with every small action of the foot while skating, the NIKE SB free facilitates true natural motion across the range of athletic demands of the sport.

video courtesy of brand new school

designers working on the shoes distilled the brand’s vast body of research and experience gained from using NIKE free technology in other sports to create a performance solution to meet the distinctive needs of skaters. ‘we’ve wanted to use NIKE free in a skate shoe for a while because the benefits of natural motion are just so perfectly suited to skating,’ said shawn carboy, NIKE SB design director. ‘the challenge for us with the shoe was to unlock all the benefits of incredible flexibility and feel for the skater while still making sure we protect them and give them the durability they need to skate hard every day.’

wearing the shoe gives skaters the feeling that their feet are free and can spread with less constriction, which enables better board feel, grip and balance. the NIKE SB free also gives skaters an extremely flexible and uniquely close feeling of connection to their board. this ultimately delivers more control, more freedom and faster progression.

the shoes were constructed to make it fit the foot like a supportive glove. the build and materials were also carefully considered to keep out anything not fundamentally necessary or critical to athletes’ performance. the durable suede upper above the reinforced SB free outsole includes zoned ventilation for breathability and all-day comfort.