Showcasing a diverse array of 55 distinct footwear designs, the Electric Pack colorway skillfully blends a well-known element from Nike's color scheme — the iconic Ostrich print. This distinctive animal pattern was first introduced by renowned Nike designer Tinker Hatfield with the launch of the Air Safari in 1987. In addition to this, the Electric Pack incorporates "Total Orange", a vibrant color that Nike promotes as part of its performance line and plans to feature globally. This creative fusion not only pays homage to the brand’s rich heritage but also emphasizes its commitment to innovation and style in contemporary sneaker culture.
Tinker Hatfield’s Air Safari design in 1987 inspired upcoming key Nike models like the GT Hustle 3 & Alphafly 3 that will be worn at the Olympics. pic.twitter.com/sItNG8HTy6
— Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) July 24, 2024
The backstory of the iconic Ostrich print is quite fascinating. During a stroll through the vibrant SoHo district of New York City in the 1980s, Hatfield came across an upscale furniture store that featured a striking couch adorned with a sumptuous ostrich print. The texture was captivating—irregular, ridged, and utterly organic. This piece of furniture exemplified how the right material could elevate an ordinary item into something extraordinary.
Inspired by this encounter, Hatfield returned to Nike with a bold vision: to incorporate this unique ostrich print into a performance athletic shoe. At the time, merging the realms of high fashion and sportswear was a radical concept. The idea of transforming an athletic shoe into something that transcended the traditional boundaries of sport was truly groundbreaking. This innovative approach not only challenged the norms of the industry but also paved the way for a new aesthetic in athletic footwear.
During its era, this initiative marked a significant transformation. Up to that point, Nike had predominantly been perceived as a brand focused on utility and performance. The challenge lay in merging aspects of lifestyle with high-performance merchandise, while also infusing a narrative through the use of color and textures inspired by particular times and locations. This unique fusion captures attention and creates a distinct identity. Similarly, Nike aims for the Electric Pack to resonate notably this summer, embodying that very same innovative spirit.
The Electric Pack goes beyond aesthetics, forging an emotional connection with consumers and inspiring them to embrace their boldness and individuality.
Caroline Abero, Senior Director of Women's Footwear and Apparel at Nike, took the helm as the colorway director for the innovative Electric Pack. In her leadership role, she emphasized the importance of crafting a color scheme and design that truly encapsulated the essence of Nike.
"We wanted to take something you wouldn’t think about in the context of performance — the Safari pattern — and create an artifact that signaled this new era of sport... We’re bringing sport and culture together on the playing field and creating a new look of sport for the next generation."Caroline Abero via Nike Newsroom
The Electric Pack has officially launched and is available on select high-performance models at nike.com. Whether you're an athlete seeking to upgrade your gear or a sneaker enthusiast after the latest trends, this collection delivers exceptional quality and style. As the Paris 2024 Olympics unfold, look for Nike-sponsored athletes sporting various Electric Pack silhouettes throughout the games.