3M, Nike collaborate on sneaker mashup

3M x Nike.

A couple of brands have decided to use their core competencies to produce new kicks.

Nike and 3M have joined forces to release a new collection of sneakers in time for the holiday season.

The collaboration allows 3M elements and technologies to be integrated onto a select group of Nike's franchises, providing them with additional durability.

3M brand and design vice president Brian Rice shares, "We are thrilled to partner with such a respected global brand and changemaker like Nike.” He adds, "The result of this collaboration highlights the value of design in bringing our world-leading 3M technologies to life in a way that improves the customer experience."

With sneaker culture very much on the rise in Southeast Asia, this is seen as an opportunity to take advantage of growing demand. According to Ox Street, as the region is to provide around 40 percent of the growth in the athletic footwear market, which is aided by the numerous sneaker-related events in the region, including the Philippines' Manila Sneaker Expo.

Interest in establishing a collaboration began when 3M crafted an art installation for Milan Design Week last year. Called "A Pinnacle of Reflection," it generated headlines using its technologies to produce a kaleidoscope effect.

Count Nike as those who were impressed with the display.

According to 3M UX creative director Robert Quintero, "Once Nike experienced our installation, they knew 3M was a company that thinks differently. They appreciated our ability to express the 3M brand emotionally through storytelling."

At the time, Nike was in the process of conceptualizing new kicks under the "protection" theme, so it was convenient for them to tap 3M for a collaboration. Robert invited select members of the Nike design team to the 3M global headquarters in St. Paul, Minnesota, introducing them to certain technologies that help protect end-users.

He shares, "This was an opportunity for Nike to interact with technologies across many of 3M’s businesses. They wanted to enter the candy shop through one door."

The team took back some samples back to see what would work, eventually choosing 3M's Scotchlite Reflective Material to provide additional aesthetics and the Thinsulate Insulation to tack on an additional layer of warmth in a portion of the sneakers.

With the upcoming release, it will join a select group of items from top apparel brands sporting such tech. Last year, adidas integrated Scotchlite onto their Nite Jogger collection, while Brooks used the C790 Carbon Black Stretch Transfer Film for their Run Visible collection.

In addition, their recent collaboration with Askov Finalyson produced the first climate-positive parka, integrating Thinsulate 100% Recycled Featherless Insulation. This particular technology is made from recycled plastic bottles, which underscores 3M's commitment towards a circular economy.

"3M has earned the trust of brands because our materials are based on sound science." said Ryan Gallagher, a global marketing manager for 3M™ Scotchlite™ Reflective Material. "At the end of the day, we apply our technologies to make products more impactful, and this collaboration with Nike is a great example of that."

Fans in Southeast Asia will be able to have a crack of getting these on the Nike website, with prices varying between PhP 6-10,000.