In our most recent RE-Fresh segment, we highlighted the significance of the Nike Cortez, not only within the company’s lore but the progression of running from its start as an amateur sport to professional athletic events here in the U.S. Now, some 40 years later, that most identifiable model during the early part of Nike’s history will be available once again as the Nike Sportswear Track & Field Collection. Celebrating both the past and the present with Nike Lady Cortez and Nike Cortez Classic, both notable facsimiles to the original designs, from the iconic herringbone tread pattern, the EVA-layer midsole, to the upper options of either full-grain leather or weatherproof three-layer. Though replicated to the exact details of the original aesthetically, Nike updated the construct and materials for greater comfort plus durability.

As part of the Track & Field Collection, both the Nike Cortez Classic and Nike Lady Cortez are available now at select Nike Sportswear, including its 21 Mercer flagship store in New York City.

Nike Sportswear – 21 Mercer
21 Mercer Street | Map
New York, NY 10013
TEL #: 212-226-5433

While unintended, the passing of Geoff Hollister has certainly made the Nike Sportswear Track & Field Collection all the more special. Inspired by Nike’s early years, its origin as a runner’s brand, and the all-important Athletic West program, of which Hollister developed, the collection re-imagines authenticity and heritage with contemporary construct.  Made with super soft cotton, each pre-treated to obtain a vintage appearance and feel. Yet never stray too far from its root as performance wear, some the design is thoroughly up-to-date, such as the Nike Reflective Windrunner.  Other minute details, like the crackle graphic print, wouldn’t have been possible without the state-of-the-art “antiqued” method.  As a whole, you will find the collection to be both a celebration of past achievements and commemoration of things to come.  The Nike Sportswear Track & Field Collection is now available at Nike Sportswear retail locations, such as 21 Mercer flagship store in New York City.

Nike Sportswear – 21 Mercer
21 Mercer Street | Map
New York, NY 10013
TEL #: 212-226-5433

An embodiment of Prefontaine, the updated Track & Field Collection from Nike Sportswear is derived from the same “can do” ethos as the late distance runner, along with the likes of Carl Lewis, Flo-Jo, Joan Benoit, and others. If you were to look into the collection’s true origin, you would find Nike Co-Founder Bill Bowerman at the helm. And just as he expected perfection from his athletes, he did the same with their tools of the trade. Hence, the mix of glory, heritage, and technology in each of the collection’s designs. You will find the collection at selected Nike retail locations around the world, such as the Nike Sportswear 21 Mercer flagship store.

Nike Sportswear – 21 Mercer
21 Mercer Street | Map
New York, NY 10013
TEL #: 212-226-5433

The fireworks have been long gone. So are the lion dancers and other Chinese New Year festivities. But there is still an opportunity for you to partake in the celebration once again with Freshness’ current giveaway – a pristine pair of Nike Air Force 1 – Year of the Dragon in US Size 11. To enter for a chance to win, simply follow the 3 easy steps after the click. A friendly reminder though, the contest will end tonight when the clock strikes 11:59 pm EST.

Contest End Date: February 3rd, 2012 (Tonight!) | 11:59 pm EST

Making a return after its 2011 breakout year, the new Nike Huarache Free Basketball 2012 implements the same hybrid design by merging the classic Nike Huarache upper with articulated outsole found on Nike Free running footwear. While many die-hard sneakerheads have been indifference to any hybrid to come out of Nike camp over the last few years, Nike Huarache Free Basketball 2012′ new colorways, with hints of OG editions, might alter that sentiment somewhat. In limited quantities, the four new editions for Spring 2012 are now available at Nike Sportswear 21 Mercer in New York City.

Nike Sportswear – 21 Mercer
21 Mercer Street | Map
New York, NY 10013
TEL #: 212-226-5433

Even though Japanese toy/creative firm MEDICOM TOY hosts its product exhibition on an annual basis, the 2011 MEDICOM TOY World Tour 2 reached a milestone – the 10th anniversary of its BE@RBRICK (aka BEARBRICK) line of figurines, one that helped MEDICOM TOY to become a household name among collectors. To marked this important significance, MEDICOM TOY created three collaborative designs which coincide with the three major bear species – brown bear, black bear, and polar bear. With the CONVERSE BE@RBRICK collection, in the forms of Chuck Taylor Hi and Jack Purcell with white fur, readily available in Japan, next were the ones from Nike collaborations. As the black and brown bear representations, the Nike Air Force 1 Low Premium TZ features a luxurious appointment of faux pony hair. Indulged every part of the upper on the brown bear version and majority of the upper on the black bear version, Nike Sportswear added tumbled leather accents, along with the BE@RBRICK insignia on the tongue tab. Premium leather lined the interior of both editions, imprinted with “BE@RBRICK 10th Anniversary x Nike” in reference to this special partnership. Finally, each includes 3 sets of laces to coordinate with the colors.

Part of the “Tier Zero” product line, the pack was originally to be available in Japan only. But as luck would have it, Nike Sportswear 21 Mercer just received them, one of only three retailers in the world and the only one this side of the Pacific. Both are set to launch tomorrow, January 21st, at 11 am EST.

Nike Sportswear – 21 Mercer
21 Mercer Street | Map
New York, NY 10013
TEL #: 212-226-5433

Release Date: January 21st, 2012 (Saturday) | 11 am

After the mayhem last week over the release of Air Jordan XI Retro Concord, it was only natural for Nike Sportswear 21 Mercer to do something much more subtle as a follow-up. Introducing “The Gift”, a special Nike Air Force 1 Bespoke created for the very purpose of thanking the store’s customers and supporters. The preliminary design concepts were drafted first by Iz Mateo, the Lead Design Consultant at 21 Mercer, and Gianni Mele, a sneaker aficionado with a penchant for good design and the winner of this year’s Nike Sportswear iD Royale Contest. The two men came to an unique design approach by drawing all of the inspirational aspects during the holiday season. From present wrapping to holiday treats, gathering of love ones, dinner among family, fireplace chats, and more… Then, to reiterate these emotions into components for the Air Force 1 Bespoke, but with a twist. Because both Mateo and Mele wanted each wearer to be reminded with their own memories of the holiday season, they left their imprints on the final design as ambiguous as possible. So rather than a Bespoke designed by someone else, wearer of “The Gift” By 21 Mercer can truly call their pair their own.

For a chance to win yourself a pair, simply follow 21 Mercer Twitter feed at @21_Mercer. No purchases are necessary, just heed to the store’s Tweet daily for instruction on how to win a pair. With four pairs in total up for grab, the contest will end by the week’s end.

Photography: Poe/Freshness

The holidays may be over but New York’s 21 Mercer is still in the giving mood. The Nike Sportswear flagship is using its Twitter to give away exclusive pairs of a bespoke Nike Air Force 1, appropriately dubbed “The Gift.” The shoe is handsomely built with a black denim upper and features brown midsole, gum outsole and metallic red accenting at the Swoosh, heel stripe and lining. Waxed red laces and gift box embroidery at the heel round out the details. Follow @21_Mercer now for your chance to win a pair.

It seems like it was just yesterday — probably because it was only a few days ago – that we were ogling over the beautiful leather of the Vachetta options now available with the Nike Air Force 1 Bespoke line. Now we can add a light blue colorway to the mix bringing a bit more color to the tan, black and white tones that were already released. The soft blue color that wraps around the midsole doesn’t hide the character of the premium leather, which continues throughout forming a minimalist sockliner. Nike didn’t even hold back on the laces, which are hand-rolled and stitched and match the light blue of the outer. Take a look at these premium sneakers after the jump before heading over to Nike Sportswear at 21 Mercer to create a pair of your own.

Nike Sportswear – 21 Mercer
21 Mercer Street | Map
New York, NY 10013
TEL #: 212-226-5433

Nike Stadium NYC Bowery
276 Bowery | Map
New York, NY 10012
TEL #: 212-925-0300

Partly a premiere event for Amar’e Stoudemire‘s new “Always On” short film but mostly just a bash on the return of the NBA season, Nike Sportswear 21 Mercer will host an one-of-the-kind celebration next Monday, December 19th. Billed as “Always On Live”, the event will see a series of musical talents like French Montana, Vado, Stalley, Jesse Boykins III, along with DJ Clark Kent, perform with live simulcast on Livestream over the web. Plus, four lucky viewers will also receive the sneaker shown above, a Nike Air Force 1 Bespoke – Always On Live Edition. Created specifically for event, the special Air Force 1 includes a premium blue camouflage leather, orange outsole, stitching, and white accents. All highlight Stoudemire’s affiliation with the New York Knicks.  To enter, simply submit a question for Stoudemire during the live broadcast Monday night, either on Livestream or through Twitter at @nikesportswear or @21_mercer. With that, you are automatically entered.  The four winners  will be announced at the end of the show.