MACCIU Joins Forces with Nike By You For Unique Air Zoom Type Collection

Nike By You has tapped Japanese graphic artist/designer MACCIU for a uniquely customizable Air Zoom Type collection. The esoteric N. 354 line’s latest silhouette, the Air Zoom Type is a lifestyle-geared interpretation of the Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT% — Nike Running‘s fastest shoe ever — but MACCUI has stripped it back even further for an undeniably unique look.

Of immediate note is the elongated tongue, which rises well above the rest of the upper. This isn’t the only deviation from the original design, however: the upper is constructed of smooth nylon instead of suede, while embroidery traces the outlines of where Swooshes and overlays would normally be placed. A large strip of fabric also runs all the way from the toebox to the top of the tongue, where it peaks in a tab to contrast the heel tabs.

MACCIU’s signature flair then appears directly under this tab due to optional branded hits. It’s taken a step further on the inner half of the tongue by way of a “Choice is Possibility” hit on the left shoe and a “Tree of Choice” illustration on the right shoe. Things are left unchanged on the lower half, with double-stacked EVA midsoles and visible Zoom Air pucks rounding off the look.

As seen above, customization options are vast, ranging from a Nike Sportswear-esque cream with red and blue accents to a vivid red and a mix of military olive and sporty blues. Although this is their inaugural sneaker collaboration, it’s not MACCIU’s first go-around with the Swoosh: they also helped with unique graphics and installations for Air Max Day 2020.

MACCIU and Nike By You’s full slate of customization options will be made available via Nike By You Japan on June 16, and the campaign is accompanied by an online exhibition dubbed “Choice” plus a special minute-long video.

Elsewhere in the world of footwear, check out HYPEBEAST’s Best Footwear Drops list for info on the dozen best sneakers hitting retailers this week.