Nike Sportswear arrived at ComplexCon with a program centered on collaboration, product releases and community projects. Across the weekend, the brand worked with established partners and emerging creators through footwear launches, exclusive merchandise, customization and interactive experiences tied to sport, fashion, music, art and design.
SNEAKERS
Before ComplexCon opened to the public, Nike Sportswear hosted Next Strike Wins, an invite-only gathering for collaborators, friends and cultural figures. Guests took part in product previews, customization workshops and community experiences ahead of the main weekend. The event brought together names including Lil Yachty, Veneda Carter, Salem Mitchell, Jae Tips, Saint Satine, Delfin and Kohshin Finley, and Rio Armor for an evening focused on Los Angeles culture.
Footwear collaborations played a major role throughout ComplexCon. Victor Victor created a gas station-inspired installation influenced by founder Steven Victor’s interest in cars, Nike and the Air Force 1. The activation introduced the Victor Victor x Nike Air Force 1 through a ComplexCon-exclusive unveiling.
Lil Yachty also returned with another Air Force 1 project. ComplexCon attendees received access to an exclusive release of the Lil Yachty x Nike Air Force 1 Mid, extending his work with Nike Sportswear through a design connected to his approach to sport and style.
Bronx designer Jae Tips used the weekend to reveal his first commercial collaboration with Nike. The Jae Tips x Nike Air Bakin Low made its debut at ComplexCon, marking a new stage in a relationship built around his long-standing interest in footwear and independent design.
Taller de Rafa introduced its first Nike collaboration as well. The Taller de Rafa x Air Max Goadome Low became available for purchase during ComplexCon, bringing the label’s design perspective directly to visitors.
Nike Sportswear also worked with Homerun, LAAMS, Circulate, Supervsn, Savior Worldwide and Badfriend, supporting their merchandise, activations and community-led projects across the weekend. Visitors could participate in scratch-offs, raffles, lucky-ticket programs and a pull-up competition, with selected guests receiving exclusive products.
All six community partners made limited quantities of exclusive Air Force 1 designs available during ComplexCon. Jae Tips, Circulate and Badfriend also offered custom Nike Sportswear-powered T-shirts through selected giveaways.
Nike extended the product access through SNKRS, distributing unreleased items to selected guests throughout the event. Jae Tips seeded pairs of the Air Bakin, while Victor Victor distributed unreleased Air Force 1s.
Nike Basketball introduced trick-shot challenges that gave participants the chance to win an unreleased Caitlin 1 colorway. The activity added another sport-focused element to a weekend built around limited footwear, creator collaborations and direct interaction with attendees.
Across ComplexCon, Nike Sportswear used releases and partnerships to connect product with the people and groups involved in contemporary sport and culture. From new collaborations to community projects and surprise drops, the brand placed creators and local partners throughout its ComplexCon program.
