[Update 16 Mar 2023] It has been revealed that the Nigel Sylvester x Nike Air Ship “Bike Air” will see a release on 10 May. Expected to drop via Nike SNKRS and select retailers, cop yours for $140 when the time comes.

[Update 14 Mar 2023] Images of the Nigel Sylvester “Bike Air” Nike Air Ship have emerged. Previously, we’ve only had the image of the titular heel tab as the Rosetta Stone but now there’s a new set that gives a holistic look. Aesthetically, it harkens back to the brand quintessence “UNC” colorway with its Summit White, Diffused Blue, Chambray, and Sail palette.

The first coming upon the leather base layer; the second on the outsole; the third on the notable overlays, profile Swooshes and ankle collar in a distressed suede finish; the last on the midsole and tongue. Other noteworthy features are the subtle Swoosh embroidery on the mudguard, the earlier-mentioned “Bike Air” on the heel tab, and the “GO” imprint on the footbed.

Nigel Sylvester himself has confirmed via Instagram that the pair’s inspired by his upbringing and hometown of Queens, New York. Sadly, the rumor mill purports the pair to be a Friends & Family exclusive, but with other shoes eventually seeing a release once years removed, there’s a chance they will hit the shelves sooner or later. When it does, expect to hear about it here as well.

While the likes of skateboarding and BMX are not nearly as popular as mainstream sports such as basketball or soccer, Nike has always had a soft spot for its so-called “extreme sports” divisions. In fact, Nike SB has become a pop-culture icon in recent times, thanks to world-famous rappers and celebrities repping the SB Dunks frequently.

Skateboarding is infinitely more popular in today’s culture, there’s no denying that. But if you’re interested in BMX, the one name that immediately comes to mind is Nigel Sylvester. While the pro-BMX athlete made a name for himself as one of the best in the scene, he has also become a popular figure on social media through his videos.

In fact, he’s worked with Jordan Brand on two Air Jordan 1s back in 2018. The first was the acclaimed destressed colorway named after himself as well as the all-white “Noise Cancelling” pair. He also received an exclusive 1-of-1 from the Jumpman Team last year to celebrate the release of his “Nigel Sylvester: GO” book.

And now, finally, he’s back to create a new silhouette together with the Nike family. Taking to his Instagram, Sylvester teased a possible Nike Air Ship collaboration. Boy is it exciting.

Not much can be seen with regard to the silhouette, but we can at least ascertain how the heel portion will look. The focal point of the post, Sylvester has swapped out the iconic “Nike Air” branding for a “Bike Air” embroidery, an obvious reference to his profession and lifestyle.

The heel tab and Swoosh as well come in light blue hairy suede, while the base of the entire sneaker looks like it comes in Nike’s traditional white leather.

That’s all we know about the collaboration so far, but it’s enough to send sneakerheads and BMX fans wild. We’re as excited as you are on this one, and we’ll be sure to update this page with more information as soon as we get them.

In other sneaker-related news, check out Nike Air Jordan 9 “Powder Blue”.