If you’re a streetwear brand collaborating with Nike for the first time, you’ve got one shot to make it count. The Swoosh is the pinnacle of sneaker partnerships, and working with them means entering an elite club that demands boldness, creativity, and purpose. Los Angeles-based Kids of Immigrants (KOI) just made their mark, and it’s nothing short of legendary. With their first-ever Nike collab, the Nike x Kids of Immigrants Air Max Sunder I, KOI has delivered what might just be 2024’s most compelling sneaker drop.
KOI’s Rise: A Brand Built on Purpose
Founded in 2016 by Daniel Buezo and Weleh Dennis, Kids of Immigrants isn’t your typical streetwear label. Rooted in the immigrant experience, the brand has always been about more than clothes, it’s about community. From their heartfelt slogans like “Support Your Friends” and “We Are Our Parents’ Wildest Dreams”, to their commitment to uplifting first-generation kids and their families, KOI has built a following by staying true to its ethos.
Nike took notice. Recognising KOI’s authenticity and vision, the Swoosh handed the reins to the LA-based label for a bold reinterpretation of the Air Max Sunder. Originally released in 1999 as a performance trainer with a neoprene shrouded upper, the Sunder never quite caught on with sneakerheads… until now.
Designing a Masterpiece: ‘Sunrise’ and ‘Sun Down’
KOI’s take on the Air Max Sunder is pure storytelling through design. Released in two striking colorways – ‘Sunrise’and ‘Sun Down’—the shoes feature rich gradients that nod to the changing skies.
- Sunrise boasts radiant yellows and oranges, evoking the optimism of a new day.
- Sun Down channels the magic of twilight with deep violets and bright purples.
Both versions are elevated by thoughtful design choices, like grid webbing on the neoprene upper, symbolising the global lines of longitude and latitude – an ode to the immigrant journey. Blacked-out soles and brown toe boxes ground the bright hues, while the words “KIDS OF IMMIGRANTS” are proudly emblazoned across the outsole.
One of the most personal touches is on the heel: instead of the original Sunders’ “6453” (which spells “Nike” on a phone keypad), KOI replaced it with “3062,” the last four digits of their community phone number. Inside, sock liners are printed with “JUST DO IT. TOGETHER,” a reimagining of Nike’s iconic slogan that adds KOI’s signature touch of sincerity.
Details That Matter: A Nod to the Past
KOI didn’t just stop at the shoe itself. Every pair comes with an incredibly nostalgic packaging detail: a phone card. For countless immigrants, phone cards were a lifeline to connect with family back home. This detail, likely to resonate deeply with KOI’s community, is a reminder that this collab is about more than sneakers—it’s about honoring history and heritage.
Sneaker of the Year?
In a year full of high-profile collaborations, the Nike x Kids of Immigrants Air Max Sunder feels special. It’s not just a good-looking shoe; it’s a sneaker with soul. Every detail, from the gradients to the grid webbing to the phone card, is a testament to KOI’s mission of building bridges and celebrating their community. This a shoe with a story, a celebration, and a statement.
When and Where to Cop
The Nike x Kids of Immigrants Air Max Sunder dropped on Friday, November 29, via the Kids of Immigrants website. Whether you’re a sneakerhead or someone who appreciates thoughtful design, this is a release you will want to go back for. With a project this heartfelt and beautifully executed, it’s no surprise that KOI has delivered one of the year’s most iconic sneakers.
