Colourway Corral: Nike 'Olympic' Releases

2015 Air Max 1 Olympic

Every four years when the Olympics come around, the world stops to support their country in the hope that they will bring home a few gold medals. Not us sneakerheads though, we get more excited about the kicks that release to celebrate the coming together of some of the world's greatest athletes.

The 'Olympic' colourway from Nike has been a favourite amongst us shoe enthusiasts, it consists of 'Midnight Navy', 'Varsity Red', white and gold. It was present on MJ's on-court wears in 1992, and in 2016 a countless number of silhouettes adopted the classic colour combo. So to get excited about the games next year, let's take a trip and have a look at some iconic Nike 'Olympic' colourways.

2004 Air Jordan 7 Olympic
2004/1992 Air Jordan 7

Air Jordan 7 'Olympic'

The OG, the one that started it all, the Air Jordan 7 'Olympic'. Originally releasing in 1992, and worn on-court by MJ himself, these have all-time legend status. Going down in history as one of the greatest 'Olympic' colourways ever, Jordan Brand decided to bring them back in 2004, giving the old classic a well-deserved retro.

2016 Zoom Flight 96
2016 Zoom Flight 96

Zoom Flight 96 'Olympic'

Released for the 1996 Olympics, the Nike Zoom Flight 96 exudes 90s flavour to the max. The low-key colourway makes it the perfect fit in any wardrobe, so in 2016 they were re-released, making as much noise as they did back in the 90s.,

2008 Air Jordan 7 Retro Oc Micro Olympic
2008 Air Jordan 7 OC 'Miro Olympic'

Air Jordan 7 OC 'Miró Olympic'

This Air Jordan 7 has special significance, as it pays tribute to the Spanish artist Joan Miró who sadly passed shortly after MJ helped bring home the gold medal in Miró's city, Barcelona. Inspired by a statue the artist created known as 'Women and Bird', the AJ7 has been dressed in the colours used on the statue, with Jordan's Olympic number 9 sitting on the heel.

2016 More Uptempo Olympic
2012/2016 Air More Uptempo

Air More Uptempo

Yet another iconic Olympic release, these dropped for the 2012 Olympics, before following up again in 2016. Scottie Pippen's signature sneakers, the Nike More Uptempo is such a classic shoe, so it makes sense that it was a hit when it was dressed in a classic colourway.

2012 Air Jordan 6 Olympic
2012 Air Jordan 6 'Olympic'

Air Jordan 6 'Olympic'

One of the most popular colourways of the Air Jordan 6, this version was rocked by none other than Ray Allen in the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. Incredibly sought after, they released to the public back in 2007 and then 2012, brewing major hype on both occasions.

2015 Air Max 1 Olympic
2015 Air Max 1'Olympic'/Via Sneaker Addict

Air Max 1 'Olympic'

Although it was an off year for the Olympics in 2015, Nike still put out some crazy heat to celebrate the theme. This Air Max 1 received some subtle treatment, gearing up for a number of steaming hot releases the following year.

2016 Air Presto Olympic
2016/2000 Air Presto 'Olympic'

Air Presto 'Olympic'

2016 saw an Olympic colourway onslaught. From Air Max all the way to Air Jordan, they definitely brought out the big guns. Nike also decided to bring back a 2000 Sydney Olympic special: the Air Presto. Dressed in a lovely toned-down colourway with red accents that seriously pop, if you were down with the 2016 games you definitely copped these.

2016 Air Max Bw Olympic
2004/2016 Air Max BW 'Olympic'

Air Max BW 'Olympic'

Another crazy classic that was resurrected from the dead was the patriotic Nike Air Max BW. Originally given to the athletes in the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics, the public got a taste of these when they released in 2004. Then, in 2016, they received a well-deserved retro. Is it time to bring these back for next year's games?

2016 Air Jordan 7 Tinker Alternative Olympic
2016 Air Jordan 7 'Tinker Alternate Olympic'

Air Jordan 7 'Tinker Alternate Olympic'

The slew of 2016 Olympic releases wouldn't be complete without an AJ7. The design is rumoured to be a colourway sketched by Tinker Hatfield when he was creating MJ's iconic Dream Team kicks. Which AJ7 do you prefer?

Header image via.

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