The Nike ST Flare Is Built for Street Hoops in China

Nike are lacing up something special for hoopers in China with the launch of the ST Flare, a brand-new basketball silhouette set to drop exclusively in the region in June. Designed from the ground up for blacktop play, the ST Flare reflects Nike’s deepening focus on China’s passionate streetball scene.

At first glance, the ST Flare is built for durability and court-ready performance. It ostensibly features an XDR (Extra Durable Rubber) outsole with an aggressive herringbone traction pattern – ideal for gripping that unforgiving concrete. Underfoot, it looks like Cushlon 3.0 foam pairs with a Zoom Air unit to provide springy responsiveness without sacrificing stability, while the upper sports lightweight engineered mesh reinforced with Flywire cables for lockdown and breathability.

Visually, the ST Flare takes cues from its title, utilising a warm, red and orange ombré fade with bold detailing. A sleeker, modern build, the silhouette certainly shares some design sensibilities with Nike’s modern hoops canon like the recent A’One – the first signature shoe for WNBA star A’ja Wilson.

China presents a crucial market for Nike, and the sportswear giant recently attempted to make inroads with the streetball community via 2022's Court Dragon – an outdoors basketball model designed by Tinker Hatfield. Equipped with Air Raid-style straps and tech-laden, chunky profile, it’s certainly a far cry from the more modern characteristics expounded by the ST Flare.

Currently, the Nike ST Flare is expected to arrive on June 1 at select retailers in China. Peep the images in the gallery above and make sure to keep it locked to Sneaker Freaker for updates.

For more on Nike basketball, make sure to check out the much-hyped GT Future.