To appeal to the many gamers who will be taking part in or viewing the upcoming League of Legends World Championship, Nike launched a line of Esports-inspired sneakers and apparel.
Nike includes seven new sneakers in the collection, while Jordan Brand supplies a refreshed Air Jordan 1 High Zoom. The sneakers boast futuristic designs that align with the inspiration behind them, and even include phrases like "Have a Good Game" that nod to the championship.
The apparel in the collection ranges from co-branded sports jerseys, to cozy loungewear. Similarly to the sneakers, the apparel nods to the Esports theme with pixelated Swoosh marks, game symbols , and phrases.
Although the official release date for the collection has not been given, consumers can expect to see it drop around the time of the championship on September 25th.
Esports-Inspired Sneakers
Nike Unveiled a Lineup of Footwear and Apparel with Gamers in Mind
Trend Themes
1. Esports-inspired Sneakers - Opportunity for footwear brands to tap into the growing esports market by launching sneakers inspired by gaming culture.
2. Co-branded Apparel - Potential for collaboration between sports brands and esports teams to create co-branded apparel that appeals to both gaming and sports enthusiasts.
3. Gamification of Fashion - Disruptive innovation opportunity to incorporate gaming elements into fashion and apparel, creating interactive and immersive experiences for consumers.
Industry Implications
1. Footwear - Footwear industry can leverage the esports trend by developing specialized sneakers tailored to gamers' needs and preferences.
2. Fashion - Fashion industry can explore the intersection of gaming and fashion by creating collections that fuse gaming aesthetics with streetwear.
3. Sportswear - Sportswear brands can collaborate with esports organizations to design and produce sportswear apparel that appeals to esports athletes and fans.