For sneakerheads, few patterns are as recognizable as the wild beauty of the Nike Air Safari‘s “Safari” print. Debuting in 1987, the brainchild of legendary designer Tinker Hatfield, the Air Safari has transcended its original purpose as a running shoe to become a coveted lifestyle icon.
Hatfield’s inspiration for the Safari print came from an unexpected source: an ostrich-skin couch spotted during a New York City trip seeking design inspiration. At the time, incorporating animal prints into sneakers was a bold move, as Hatfield himself recounted: “Fashion was still a very dirty word,” he said in a Nike interview.
Despite initial skepticism, the Safari’s unique blend of premium materials and audacious design resonated with sneaker enthusiasts. The shoe’s foundation of black and brown leather provided a sophisticated base, while the “Safari” print on the mudguard, heel, and collar added a touch of the wild.
The Nike Air Safari’s influence extends far beyond its original release. Japanese boutique atmos played a pivotal role in reviving the silhouette in 2002 through their highly sought-after Air Max 1 collaboration, which drew inspiration from the Safari’s OG colorway. This reintroduction sparked a renewed appreciation for the Air Safari, influencing numerous subsequent releases, including several additional atmos x Nike ventures.
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After a brief hiatus, the Nike Air Safari OG will return this July 19th, bringing back the beloved “Black/Monarch” colorway in all its glory. This faithful recreation features the classic combination of black and brown leather alongside the eye-catching “Safari” print, ensuring a trip down memory lane for longtime fans and a chance for a new generation to experience this sneaker legend.
Later in July, a range of basketball and running silhouettes will receive their own Safari-inspired makeovers, coinciding with the Paris Olympics. This juxtaposition highlights the enduring versatility of the Safari print, a testament to Hatfield’s ability to craft a design that transcends athletic function and resonates with sneaker culture at large.
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