Nike Transforms Its Pioneering Soccer Cleat Into a Streetstyle Stunner

The reimagined cleat-turned-lifestyle-sneaker is one of Nike’s seven globally minded renditions aiming to define soccer culture.

Close-up of white sneaker heel with black "AIR" text and red accents on a blue background.

Add Gear Patrol as a Preferred Source on Google

By Hayley Helms

Published June 3, 2026

·

Updated June 3, 2026

If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more

In less than two weeks, fans across the planet will turn their attention to the largest stage in soccer: the World Cup.

In anticipation of the global event, brands have been rolling out countless World Cup-themed products … but none have quite the scope or depth as Nike’s upcoming Cryoshot release.

White Nike Air Max sneaker with red accents, black "AIR" text on heel, and visible air sole unit. — The Virgil Abloh Archives x United States x Nike Cryoshot Zoom M9 is one of seven globally-minded takes on the innovative new Cryoshot model.

Global approach

When the Cryoshot was announced in 2025, its cleat-turned-sneaker design quickly captured the attention of soccer and streetwear fans alike. By encasing traditional soccer studs within a clear TPU base, Nike preserved the look of its heritage boots while making them wearable in everyday life.

White Nike soccer cleat with black text on the side and red accents on the sole and tongue. — Introduced in 1999 as the first women-first pitch performance model, the Air Zoom M9 is closely associated with Mia Hamm and America’s 1999 World Cup win.

Now, just ahead of the World Cup, Nike has unveiled the full Cryoshot lineup: seven unique versions of the silhouette, developed through its X2 initiative.

Inspired by iconic archival soccer cleats, each version was created in partnership with brand partners from seven countries, bringing a distinct local perspective to the Cryoshot model.

White leather Nike sneaker with a translucent sole featuring red and blue accents. — The Jacquemus x France x Nike Cryoshot Tiempo R10 is the only other ultra-minimal sneaker in the Cryoshot lineup; the rest of the designs feature bolder visuals.

The Virgil Abloh Archives x United States x Nike Cryoshot Zoom M9 is built off Mia Hamm’s signature boot that she wore to help the Americans win the 1999 Women’s World Cup.

One of the most minimal in the set (alongside France’s version), the The USA model features a clean, all-white leather upper complemented by fire red accents in the cleat studs and a Swoosh on the tongue.

White Nike Air Max sneaker with black "AIR" text on the midsole and red accents on the tongue and heel. — The clear TPU outsoles of the Cryoshot give fans the opportunity to wear their favorite cleats on the street.

The Nocta x Canada x Nike Cryoshot Tiempo ’94 is the brightest Cryoshot of the bunch.

Nike

“Air” branding on the back heel maintains the clean look of the shoe while keeping the late designer’s signature graphics intact. The inner back heel also features an homage to Mia Hamm as well as a nod to the V.A.A. collaboration.

While the United States x Virgil Abloh Archive Cryoshot Zoom M9 is a fresh take on quiet luxury, there are more daring designs within the seven-part global effort.

Notable examples include the Nocta x Canada x Nike Cryoshot Tiempo ’94 and Patta x Netherlands x Nike Cryoshot Mercurial R9.

Availability and pricing

The Virgil Abloh Archives x United States x Nike Cryoshot Zoom M9 will be available in a staggered rollout: the pair will initially drop on the VAA website on June 11th, then on Dover Street Market on June 13th followed by a SNKRS release on June 16th.

White leather sneaker with "AIR" text on the heel and red accents on the sole and heel tab.

Virgil Abloh Archives x United States x Nike Cryoshot Zoom M9

Learn More

About the Author: Hayley Helms is an associate editor at Gear Patrol specializing in outdoor gear. Once upon a time, she wrote for Men’s Journal, Gearjunkie and Shape. Whether it’s testing a new rain shell or putting a pair of hiking boots through its paces, she leaves no stone unturned (however, she always Leaves No Trace).

Want to stay up to date on the latest product news and releases? Add Gear Patrol as a preferred source to ensure our independent journalism makes it to the top of your Google search results.