Seemingly more than any other Nike product line, the skateboarding division leans insular. While NBHD releases for shoes like the Air Jordan 17 “Lightning” become headline-worthy, stock hitting skate shops early is par for the course. The most official embrace of that is Nike SB ISO, or Orange Label, specifically tabbing select pairs as exclusive to those stores. The initiative is getting a true standout pair next year with the emergence of the Nike Air Trainer II Premium Crystal Mint $120 ISO “University Blue.”
This edition builds on some already established infrastructure; recent Nike SB Orange Label output like the Dunk Low “University Red” or Dunk Low “Navy/Gum” showcase the exact same color-blocking scheme as we see here. Nonetheless, it’s fair to say that there’s a more elevated atmosphere with this pair, swapping out leather uppers for a plush blend of nubuck and suede. The “fat tongue” so synonymous with SB Dunks makes a return here, at least in more pronounced fashion than on preceding colorways. It could be a signal of plans to more clearly distinguish between the two worlds that utilize Peter Moore’s design, but the inspiration for the change is opaque until we get closer to release.
Initial reporting has the Nike Air Trainer II Premium Crystal Mint $120 “University Blue” tabbed for a Spring 2025 drop with a $115 retail price. In the meantime, enjoy some in-hand shots just ahead.
Nearer on the Sneaker Release Dates calendar, the Naruto Crocs return on June 6th for Sasuke and Itachi’s colorways.