Introducing the Nike Jam, the first shoe created for breaking

Breakers are cultural trendsetters, expressing themselves in a universal language rooted at the intersection of art and movement. This summer, ahead of breakers' arrival on the world's greatest stage, Nike is introducing a footwear and apparel collection designed to celebrate their uncompromised style.

At the centre of the collection is the Nike Jam, the first shoe designed specifically for breakers— athletes who have been making moves in Nike sneakers for years. Alongside the Jam is a full suite of breakers' favourite Nike Sportswear apparel that's been tailored to offer enhanced protection and mobility in fresh styles designed by long-time Nike collaborator and artist Futura.

The Jam is the product of six years of Nike innovation, built on extensive testing at the Nike Sport Research Lab and featuring insights from breakers at all levels of the sport. The Jam maximises breakers' ability to slide across smooth competition surfaces as well as concrete and tarmac. Its foam drop-in midsole construction provides breakers with ample protective cushioning. And its rubber cupsole offers the close-to-the-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 practising, 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 packaged these unique performance benefits into a stylish silhouette that pays homage to its roots and that athletes can confidently wear on and off the floor. The Jam's black and Gum colourway draws on the turntable and microphone equipment hip-hop DJs and MCs use to set the vibe, and its tan and black colourway nods to the cardboard breakers used to protect themselves from unpredictable surfaces. A third white and black colourway, created in partnership with Futura, recasts his iconic 1980 Break Train piece in an exclusive, reimagined design.

"Building on my history of collaborating with Nike, I'm very honoured 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".

That commitment to serving the athlete extends throughout the apparel collection, which includes federation kits for the United States, Korea and Japan, as well as tops, bottoms and accessories for breakers and hip-hop fans the world over. While there are subtle differences between the countries' federation kits, Nike opted for a cohesive design that prioritises bringing athletes together on the global stage, tucking a quote—"connecting souls across the world who move with the rhythm"—into the interior lining of most pieces.

Designers created the collection with durability, mobility and performance in mind, building a second layer of fabric into high-wear areas of the hoodie, for example, and boosting mobility by lengthening sleeves and trouser legs throughout the apparel line. Designers also leveraged Nike Dri-FIT ADV technology to keep athletes dry and cool.

In creating the collection, Nike and Futura reimagined some of the artist's most acclaimed artwork and incorporated fresh designs inspired by his Break Train piece, his studio's floor splatter, and his iconic 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 Breaking Apparel Collection will be available globally on 16 July at Nike.com and selected retail stores. The USA, Korea and Japan federation kits will be available globally on 1 August at Nike.com and selected retail stores. The Nike Jam Futura colourway will be released in autumn 2024.