Tokyo-based brand AMBUSH and Nike team up again to deliver Creative Director Yoon Ahn’s take on a Nike classic: The Uptempo. Founded in 2008 as an experimental jewelry line, AMBUSH has evolved into a global, full-fledged creative hub with clothing and sneakers among its output. Their Nike partnership, in particular, has been very successful with Ahn delivering popular iterations of brand staples since first joining forces in 2018 — such as the Air Force 1, Air Adjust Force, and Dunk High. With the addition of the Uptempo, the partnership continues to innovate. Let’s get into this week’s official “Kickin’ Facts” review.

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The Uptempo was conceived by Wilson Smith, Nike’s first Black designer, in 1983 and was very popular among basketball players and the youth throughout the ’90s. The shoe saw a resurgence in the 2000s up until now by streetwear brands like Supreme and ASSPIZZA. AMBUSH’s take on the Uptempo features a tan nubuck upper with an exaggerated black midsole, and matching accents that include its signature air bubbles and Swooshes. Its jumbo “AIR” lettering in bold yellow compliments the tan with dark green-speckled, thick rope laces tying it together. Nike Swoosh branding can be found on its toe box, above its back heel, and outsole while AMBUSH’s logo is tagged on the tongue, insole, and across its yellow sneaker box.

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To promote their first Uptempo release, Ahn and Nike dreamed up Nite Sport, a short movie focusing on women’s soccer, self-acceptance, friendship, and sisterhood. The film centers around a female protagonist joining a new school and its soccer team. They also hosted a Nite Sport Academy Workshop and released an official clothing collab featuring a limited-edition soccer jersey and jacket to coincide with the Women’s World Cup.

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What are your thoughts on the latest offering from AMBUSH and Nike?

The AMBUSH x Nike Air More Uptempo “Limestone” was released on Aug. 4 for $215 at Nike, on the SNKRS app, and is still available at various outlets globally.