Nike Pays Homage to Japan With Polka-Dotted Air Max Triax 96 and Air Max Tailwind IV "Nippon"

2020’s Tokyo Olympic Games may have been postponed until 2021 due to the COVID-19 coronavirus, but Nike Sportswear isn’t letting its carefully-laid Olympic plans go to waste: it’s readied an Air Max Triax 96 and Air Max Tailwind IV “Nippon” pack. With a title derived from the island nation’s original name — “Japan” is in fact an exonym largely used outside the country — both Nike “Nippon” sneakers are covered in Japanese flag-inspired polka dots and boast crisp, sporty accents.

These polka dots offer a compelling gradient effect, with the Triax shifting from a dark burgundy on the forefoot to a rousing red around the heel while the Tailwind offers the inverse, starting off bright and moving to dark. Both also serve up metallic gold trim and special “Nippon” spellouts. These text hits appear on the Triax’s tongue tab and insoles, while they grace the heel, tongue and insoles of the Tailwind. The Triax takes things a step farther as well, slapping a flag-inspired detail on the heel. Both styles mix airy white leathers and meshes for their base layers, rim red Swooshes with more gold trim, and complete their respective looks with clear Air Max units.

The Nike Air Max Triax 96 and Air Max Tailwind IV “Nippon” are both set to release on June 23 via Nike SNKRS Japan. The Triax is priced at ¥15,400 (approximately $144 USD) and the Tailwind arrives at ¥18,700 (approximately $174 USD).

For more upcoming footwear from the greater Nike umbrella, get a detailed look at Jordan Brand‘s new Air Jordan 3 “Blue Cement,” an alternate take on one of the most beloved Air Jordans of all time.