Collabs and merchandise inspired by “One Piece,” the Japanese manga later adapted into an anime, seem to be everywhere. Next up is Nike.
In August, Nike announced a collection of footwear, T-shirts, jerseys, caps and a vest inspired by the anime “One Piece.” The rollout has been staggered, with different shoes and items releasing on different dates in different parts of the world.
Here is what fans in the U.S. should know about the collection.
When the Collection Drops
The collection is set to be released Friday, Sept. 25. The apparel collection will be available worldwide on SNKRS that day, according to Nike.
Which Sneakers Are Included?
The full Nike x One Piece collection includes these Air Max Plus sneakers, according to an online Nike news release:
- The Gomu Gomu Air Max Plus, also known as Gomu Gomu no Mi
- The Mera Mera Air Max Plus, also known as Mera Mera no Mi
- The Ope Ope Air Max Plus, also known as Ope Ope no Mi
The sneakers are designed to resemble Devil Fruits from “One Piece,” which give characters supernatural powers.
How to Get the Gomu Gomu Air Max Plus
The Gomu Gomu Air Max Plus is the only sneaker included in the Friday, Sept. 25, launch in the United States. It will be available for preorder through SNKRS Reserve, Nike’s platform for sought-after sneaker releases. Shoppers can access it through the app or website with a Nike member login.
Some shoppers were selected for early access after completing a poll on the SNKRS home feed that ran from Aug. 23 to Sept. 18. Nike notified those selected by push notification. Their purchase window begins at 11 a.m. Eastern time on Sept. 25 and lasts one hour. Each person can purchase one pair in an available size.
After that hour, other shoppers who were not preselected can try to buy the sneaker as long as they are signed in. China, Mexico and Australia can get the shoe through a standard SNKRS launch, while shoppers in South Korea will receive access through SNKRS exclusive access.
How Much Will the Sneakers Cost?
An official U.S. listing was not yet available when this article was published. Based on prices in other countries, the Gomu Gomu Air Max Plus will likely cost about $180 to $200 in the United States.
What About the Other Sneakers?
The Mera Mera Air Max Plus will be available in Japan, South Korea, China, Taiwan, Indonesia and Mexico, but not in the United States. Nike began selling the sneakers at select locations in those countries on Sept. 12. Nike also says they will be available in Australia from Oct. 16 to Oct. 18.
The Ope Ope Air Max Plus may already be unavailable. It was offered only on Sept. 19 at select retailers in the United States and Europe.
What If You Miss the Release?
If you miss the Gomu Gomu Air Max Plus or want a sneaker that was not released in the United States, you can look at online resale marketplaces. Be sure to use reputable, verified marketplaces and check the total price before buying.
What Apparel Is Included?
Along with the sneakers, the collection includes shirts, hats and an orange vest inspired by the manga and anime. One T-shirt features the Jolly Roger that Luffy drew on his whale friend, Laboon, on the back, with the Nike logo below it. The front has the “One Piece” logo with the Nike swoosh behind it.
Other shirts, hats and the vest feature the Straw Hat’s Jolly Roger and the Nike logo on the chest. Prices vary and are listed in the SNKRS app.
Other “One Piece” Collaborations
This is not the first collaboration between “One Piece” and popular American brands. Popeyes unveiled a “One Piece”-inspired menu and merchandise in April. Lego also released sets inspired by the second season of Netflix’s live-action adaptation of “One Piece.” On Sept. 15, McDonald’s launched a SpongeBob x One Piece Happy Meal with toys of “SpongeBob SquarePants” characters dressed as “One Piece” characters.
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