While club-specific sneakers aren’t exactly unheard of, few reach the level that Barcelona fans are about to be treated to.
A three-way collaboration sees Nike pairing the Spanish soccer club with Patta, the black-owned and Amsterdam-based label that’s curried favor with sneakerheads and futbol fans alike, for a collection headlined by the Air Max Plus.
The sneaker’s signature wavy upper sees Barcelona’s club colors “Deep Royal Blue” and “Noble Red” applied across a beautiful gradient, a treatment that repeats on the sole’s midfoot plate. The two colors each get their own half of a double-Swoosh treatment special to this sneaker, while Barcelona’s crest forms the lace dubrae. Lace tips invoke the flag of Catalonia, while the orange used for the Air Max unit and portions of the outsole can be seen as a nod to uniforms of the Dutch National Team.
Rounding out the flourishes is Patta‘s logo appearing on the tongue inside the same hexagon shape used for TN Air branding, as well as an insole printed with “Culers del Món,” which is Catalan for “Cultures of the World” and is the name for the full collection.
In addition to the sneakers, the capsule will also include hoodies, tracksuits, T-shirts, and hats. During the warm-up for its Oct. 22 match against Athletic Club de Bilbao, Barcelona players will wear a training top from the collection.
Patta has routinely channeled soccer through its offerings since the label was founded in 2004. In 2020, the Dutch brand partnered with Umbro to recreate Inter Milan’s iconic jersey from the ’93 to ’94 season. Its partnership with Barcelona by way of Nike is particularly fitting because of the historical Dutch influence on the Spanish club, including the Netherlands’ Total Football setting the tone for the club’s Tiki-taka style of play.
The FC Barcelona x Patta x Nike Air Max Plus is slated to release Oct. 13 through Patta’s website and physical stores, followed by a drop Oct. 16 through Barca’s site and Oct. 17 through the SNKRS app. Pricing for the sneaker is set at $210.
About the Author:
Ian Servantes is a Senior Trending News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.
