Nike 6.0 and punk stalwarts, Alkaline Trio, joined forces to translate the energy of action sports and punk rock into a pair of collaborative kicks. The Heart and Sole Air Zoom Cush and a limited run of messenger bags will be released June 27th exclusively at Jacks Retail Shop in Huntington Beach. Alkaline Trio recently kicked off their summer tour, supporting their new album Agony and Irony and the release of the shoe. The Heart and Sole Air Zoom Cush will be available at select retailers nationwide on July 11th.

“The collaboration between Nike 6.0 and Alkaline Trio was a natural fit. Punk rock’s independent spirit is a common thread with action sports, and the band member’s live the lifestyle we support.” said Tim Reede, Nike 6.0 Product Line Manager. “We were able to create unique materials and details that reflect the band’s history, resulting in a collaboration that truly tells a story.”

“We chose red and black as the main colors to reflect our Chicago roots and pay homage to the Bulls. We are huge fans,” said Matt Skiba of Alkaline Trio. “I’m also into sneakers, so seeing the swoosh and our logo on one product is unbelievable. The shoe looks amazing and provides some insight into who we are.”

Custom design elements include reflective details and bike-tread inspired graphics, correlating to the band’s formative years in Chicago where the members met while working as bike messengers. Distressed materials translate the punk ethos, and the Alkaline Trio logo is featured on the heel cup. The Heart and Sole Cush is constructed of all synthetics, supporting select band members who are vegetarian.

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We all know Nike is already present in the Skateboard industry with its SB and 6.0 lines. But, is there yet to be another addition to their skate influenced shoe invasion? By the looks of things, it seems there truly will be. Jordan skateboarding shoes are the newest addition to their onslaught of various sub-brands. The first shoe they will be releasing will be called the “flipside”. Rumors of them working with professional skateboarder Stevie Williams are said to be proven correct. Will he be the first team rider?

Jordans have always been pricey shoes to begin with, so it makes me wonder what these kicks will sell for on the market. Personally, I don’t really feel there’s a need for so many skateboard sub-brands on Nike’s behalf. If they are going to make Nike skateboarding shoes, then they should just keep it under one name. One more point that I feel would be worth bringing up, is the fact that the Jordan logo is still the same - the all-familiar icon of Michael Jordan going for a massive basketball dunk. It almost feels wrong to see someone skateboarding in this shoe. I will remember Michael Jordan for what he was, a legendary Basketball player. Definitely not a former skateboarder or anything even close related to that.

The conditions and performances held on the final day of competition for the 6.0 Lowers Pro proved to be almost perfect, highlighting an overall successful debut onto the WQS scene for Nike 6.0. ASP Top 45 member Ben Bourgeois took out a loaded group of finalists on his way to victory in surf that could be classified as ‘almost’ perfect Trestles. Fred Patacchia, Joel Centeio, and Pat Gudauskas all came to battle it out with Bourgeois in the final but none were able to overcome the consistency and power displayed by the Carlsbad, Ca. resident. After the event, Bourgeois let it be known how excited he was to be taking home this huge win - “I’m stoked, it’s always good to get a win, and all those guys in the final are good friends of mine. My last win was in England, and Lowers is always a great event.”

Formerly known as the Body Glove Surfbout, the 6.0 Lowers Pro will move from a 4 star event as it was this year to a 6 star event in 2009. This is huge, in that the results have a significant meaning to competitors trying to qualify for the WCT. There is currently only one other 6 star event in North America. Adding another and holding it at the famed break of Trestles is a big step in helping to bring back relevance to the ASP North American leg of the WQS. Nike 6.0 is undoubtedly thrilled to be a part of that.

Congratulations to Ben Bourgeois- The 2008 winner of the 6.0 Lowers Pro!

Nike’s push into the action-sports industry took another large step with the recent announcement of the upcoming 6.0 Lowers Pro. It will be held at Trestles in San Clemente, Ca. for the first stop of the Macy’s California Trifecta Surf Series April 29 to May 3, 2008. The ASP and WQS event will initially launch as a 4 Star for 2008, and as part of a three-year deal, will upgrade to a 6 Star in 2009 and 2010.

Nike’s venture into the action-sports world has been fun to watch. They went pretty hard after Jordy Smith, only to lose him to O’neill. Their signing of Dusty Payne to their surf team was huge for them, and their continued progression in this direction will bring a lot of positives to the world of surfing.

While the money for sponsorship contracts continues to move northward, the prize money for tour events has been relatively stagnant over recent years. Having an ‘outsider’ company with the deep pockets of Nike throw their name onto the tour scene will put pressure on the big boys(i.e. Quiksilver, Rip Curl, Billabong, O’neill) of the action-sports industry to up the ante. Production value for the WCT events still leaves a lot to be desired as well. As Nike 6.0 continues in this direction and eventually makes a move for ‘CT events I look forward to seeing what they will bring to the table when it comes to putting on events, as well as their production of webcasts.