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This Retro Nike Sneaker Absolutely Nails the Subtle ’80s Throwback Vibes

The stand-out offering from the Swoosh’s latest Stranger Things collab, these shoes pay homage to the Upside Down without overdoing it.

Close-up of a white sneaker with white laces and a red Nike swoosh logo on a light gray suede panel.Nike
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By Sean Tirman

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The Netflix series Stranger Things is undoubtedly a cultural phenomenon. Not only has it spawned a huge fandom, but its influence has leaked into the worlds of fashion, music, video games and so much more.

However, the saga is coming to a close this year once the final season airs. As such, numerous brands are taking a final swing at launching gear in collaboration with and inspired by the show, including massive names like G-Shock and Nike.

The latter, in fact, might have just dropped its best tie-in yet in the Nike x Stranger Things Air Max ’87 Team Maroon and Neutral Grey. These sneakers are a fitting, subtle tribute that pays homage to the show and its ’80s setting without overdoing it.

White and maroon Nike Air Max sneaker with visible air cushion in sole, shown from side.
The sneakers’ referential styling is so subtle, you might not notice it unless you’re actively looking for it.
Nike

Stranger sneakers

This sneaker is not a standalone. It’s part of a four-pack sneaker set, which is itself a component of a larger upcoming Nike x Stranger Things apparel collection. That said, this shoe is the clear stand-out of the bunch.

What these sneakers primarily benefit from is subtlety. Inspired by the sneakers worn by Steve Harrington, played by Joe Keery, in the final season, they don’t have any obvious external branding or graphics. They don’t even have “Stranger Things” printed anywhere on their exterior, including the outsole.

Pair of white and maroon Nike Air sneakers shown from the back with red Nike Air logos on the heel.
The upside-down logos on the sneakers’ heels are one of the best examples of the shoe’s subtle design cues.
Nike

That said, they’re not entirely without reference. The Nike Air logo and accompanying Swoosh on the heel are flipped over — a nod to the show’s Upside Down. Similarly, the logos on the tongue are flipped.

If you are really hoping for some more obvious branding, the inside of the tongue and the insole have the show’s logo. Furthermore, they come in specialty packaging alongside a four-pack of pins inspired by the show.

Close-up of white Nike Air Max sneaker tongue with white laces and maroon logo on beige suede upper.
The label on the tongue is also upside-down, but there’s no blatant branding, thankfully.
Nike

Kicks ahoy!

Collaboration or not, these are just a great pair of retro kicks. The colorway — Team Maroon and Neutral Grey — is classic and clean, evoking other famous Nike shoes, such as the Nike Bruins from Back to the Future and Forrest Gump’s Nike Cortez sneakers.

They also retain the iconic cues of the Air Max lineup, including the signature window into the outsole near the heel. And while the materials aren’t listed on the brand’s site, these look to maintain the same iconic construction comprised of leather, suede and mesh.

Sole of a Nike Air shoe with black, white, and maroon rubber tread and embossed "Nike Air" text.
The maroon and gray colorway even extends to the waffle sole.
Nike

The colorway even extends to the updated waffle-inspired sole, which is a nice touch. Tip to tail, these are some of the nicest Nikes currently in the brand’s catalog, collaborative or not.

That does mean there’s one glaring expected downside: these sneakers are likely to sell out extremely quickly. If you’re lucky enough to snag a pair, cherish them, as everyone else weighs the merits of paying what will almost definitely be exorbitant secondhand prices.

Being a sneakerhead can sometimes be tough.

Pair of white and maroon Nike Air Max sneakers with visible air cushion soles.
These are easily the best of all four sneakers in the Stranger Things collaboration.
Nike

Pricing and availability

The Nike x Stranger Things Air Max ’87 Team Maroon and Neutral Grey sneakers will be available on December 4 at 10:00 AM ET for $180 per pair. That said, I recommend signing up for email alerts, as these sneakers are likely to sell out almost immediately.

White and maroon Nike Air Max 1 sneaker with visible air cushioning in the sole.Nike

Nike x Stranger Things Air Max 87 Team Maroon and Neutral Grey

About the Author: Sean Tirman is an associate editor at Gear Patrol who specializes in EDC, cannabis and outdoor gear.

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