Nike's Black History Month Football Boots: Celebrating Heritage Through Design

Bootsfinder
Jul 11
2 min read

Released date - 2015 & 2016

Limited Edition Vapors including the 10 year Vapor III — Nike Superfly IV BHM

Introduction:

Nike has consistently honored Black History Month (BHM) by releasing special edition footwear that pays tribute to the achievements and contributions of Black athletes and leaders. Among these commemorative releases, the Nike Mercurial Superfly IV BHM in 2015 and the Nike Magista Obra BHM in 2016 stand out for their unique designs and cultural significance.

Nike Mercurial Superfly IV BHM (2015):

In January 2015, Nike unveiled the Mercurial Superfly IV BHM as part of a broader collection celebrating Black History Month. This limited-edition boot featured a striking black and white color scheme adorned with three distinct geometric patterns, symbolizing diversity and the rich tapestry of Black heritage. A gold-outlined Nike Swoosh added a touch of elegance to the design.

Technologically, the boot retained the Mercurial Superfly IV's hallmark features, including a Flyknit upper for a second-skin fit, a Dynamic Fit collar for seamless integration between foot and lower leg, and a carbon fiber plate for responsive traction and explosive speed. Footballer Kevin-Prince Boateng was highlighted by Nike for his advocacy against racism in football, aligning with the boot's mission to celebrate Black excellence and promote social change.

Nike Magista Obra BHM (2016):

Building on the previous year's initiative, Nike released the Magista Obra BHM in February 2016. This edition showcased a predominantly black upper embellished with vibrant, multicolored geometric patterns, reflecting the diversity and vibrancy of Black culture. The design was part of Nike's larger 2016 BHM collection, dedicated to "The Power of One," highlighting the achievements of Black athletes. Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Blaise Matuidi debuted the Magista Obra BHM on the pitch, underscoring its significance. Photographer Alex Penfornis collaborated with Nike to capture the essence of the boot, emphasizing its cultural and aesthetic impact. Technologically, the Magista Obra BHM maintained the innovative features of the standard Magista Obra, including the Flyknit upper and Dynamic Fit collar, ensuring top-tier performance alongside its meaningful design.

Conclusion:

Through the Mercurial Superfly IV BHM and Magista Obra BHM, Nike seamlessly merged performance innovation with cultural celebration. These special edition boots not only offered athletes top-tier technology but also served as powerful symbols honoring Black heritage and promoting equality in sports.

Retail Prices:

Nike Mercurial Superfly IV BHM (2015): While the exact retail price for the Mercurial Superfly IV BHM edition isn't specified in the available sources, standard editions of the Mercurial Superfly IV were typically priced around $275 USD at launch.
Nike Magista Obra BHM (2016): The Magista Obra BHM edition was released with a retail price of approximately £245 GBP