A bizarre relic from Nike‘s past is resurfacing with a fresh iteration of one of Nike’s most futuristic new shoes.
The Nike GT Future “Swooshman” calls back to the superhero of the same name that played a brief role in marketing efforts in the mid-’90s. A white and blue dotted gradient upper with reflectivity channels the Swooshman suit that cost $125,000 to produce and was designed by Jose Fernandez, the same man behind the titular costume in “Batman Forever.” A red Swoosh likewise mirrors what appeared on Swooshman’s chest and helmet, while a graphic on the tongue and beneath the translucent blue outsole depicts the character’s profile.
Swooshman was born out of a project called Nike Sports Entertainment and was introduced to the world in 1996 at a basketball showcase in Japan where he threw down acrobatic dunks off of a trampoline. Nike invested in two of the suits to send out to other promotional events and hired Minnesota Timberwolves mascot Jon Cudo as performer, but because the character didn’t take on with consumers he was quietly shelved by 1997. The Nike Sports Entertainment division was likewise dissolved.
Nearly 20 years later, Nike is reviving Swooshman through this sneaker and by making him a playable character in “Fortnite.”
The GT Future also has roots in the ’90s, as its single-piece molded upper is clearly derived from the iconic Air Foamposite One that launched in 1997. Nike will soon launch another Foamposite-derived model in the First Sight Shadow slip-on.
The Nike GT Future “Swooshman” doesn’t yet have a confirmed release date but is expected to drop soon. Pricing is set at $210.

Nike GT Future “Swooshman” (pair)

Nike GT Future “Swooshman” (lateral)

Nike GT Future “Swooshman” (medial)

Nike GT Future “Swooshman” (above)

Nike GT Future “Swooshman” (heel)

Nike GT Future “Swooshman” (outsole)








