Nike Inc. has made it a focal point in the last few years to focus on the African American community. Not only has this been through donating money to organizations fighting for social justice and other causes that benefit the African American community, but through the continued hiring of Black designers behind the scenes. Normally, every January/February of each year would feature a collection of footwear themed around Black History Month, however, there is no collection set to drop in 2023 and instead Nike is committing $8.9 million to various causes the benefit the Black Community in America. With that in mind, why not look back at the history, and a selection of some of the best Black History Month-themed sneakers from Jordan Brand and Nike?
History of BHM-themed Sneakers
Back in the year 2005, Nike released its first themed Black History Month sneaker with the the Nike Air Force 1 Low “BHM,” featuring a typical build from a GR AF1 with its mainly white upper, however, details like the Pan African flag on the heel counter and insole nodded to Black excellence and kickstarted what became a yearly collection for The Swoosh overall. Going forward we would see the AF1 take on a similar theme with the 2006 pair, and an overhaul with the 2008 release, though in 2007 Nike commemorated the month-long celebration with the Air Max 90 “BHM.” This pair paid tribute to the underground railroad that was utilized by slaves seeking freedom to the north, with the insole featuring a map that contained a route used when the network of freedom fighters was used.
Year after year we continued to see singular pairs released until 2011 when Nike and Jordan Brand gave a selection of player BHM player exclusive sneakers across a variety of basketball silhouettes to NBA players. Included in this were the standard Nike models like the Hyperdunk and Shox BB Pro, while signature silhouettes included the Kobe 6 and KD 3. Jordan Brand gave various players silhouettes as well, with the public receiving the Air Jordan 3. A similar theme covered all of these pairs as they came with an all-black upper and sole unit as well as intricate engravings/patterns mixed with regal hits of gold on accenting features like the eyestays and branding details.
Since then it became commonplace for Nike and Jordan Brand to release a wide range of silhouettes and apparel commemorating Black History Month across silhouettes within both labels. If there’s a model produced by either brand, it’s likely there is a “BHM” pair out in circulation somewhere. Surprisingly, 2023 will not have a collection dedicated to Black History Month, though down below we’ve listed a few of our favorites that have been released over the year. Keep it locked to our Twitter and the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on all of the latest happenings in sneakers, streetwear, and more.
Top BHM Releases From Nike and Jordan Brand
Don C x Nike BHM Collection (2013)
Nike Air Force 1 Low “BHM” (2005)
Nike Air Max 90 “Underground Railroad” (2007)
Nike Air Force 1 Low BHM (2009)
Nike Basketball BHM PE Collection (2011)
Air Jordan 3 Retro "Black History Month" (2011)
Nike SB Dunk Low “BHM” (2014)
Nike Basketball BHM Collection (2014)
Jordan Brand BHM Collection (2015)
Nike Sportswear BHM Collection (2015)
Nike Basketball BHM Collection (2016)
Nike Sportswear BHM Collection (2016)
Nike Sportswear BHM Women's Collection (2016)
Jordan Brand BHM Collection (2016)
Nike/Jordan Brand BHM Collection (2017)
Nike/Jordan Brand BHM Collection (2019)
Nike BHM Collection (2020)
