Cherry blossoms have long inspired fashion, spanning hundreds of years to different periods in Japanese history. In more modern times, the sakura has found its way onto Nike footwear, as seen last year with the direct homage to the DMV region on the Nike Air Foamposite One, which references the cherry blossoms found around Washington, D.C. Now, sakura is once again finding a home on Nike footwear, this time on the Nike Shox R4.
The Y2K-era sneaker features a gradient effect on the upper, transitioning from a light pink hue on the toe into a dark black as you move back toward the heel. Perforated around the eyelets and heel keep the pink theme alive, even amid black paneling, while we see more solid hits of black on the lace set, sockliner, and tongue. Direct references to the flower are scattered on the profile, with the toe featuring sakura embroidered and petals “floating” around the midfoot Swoosh.
Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. When not writing for Sole Retriever, I enjoy attending concerts and catching the latest movies. Email: nick@soleretriever.com
