An interesting silhoutte from Nike–sort of a hybrid of a ballet slipper and a track shoe. Available for $49 at Yoox.

Once in a while, Nike comes through for the ladies. Here is a pair of Nike “Sherpa” Dunks in an oxen-brown colored high style. Obviously it’s the sheepskin that takes them over the top.  More looks from different angles on the next page. For purchase details visit Extrabutter.

Via Refinery we learn lingerie brand The Lake & Stars is collaborating with Nike on an Air Force I, which has to be on some top-ten list in terms of unexpected partnerships. In this image, one of the The Lake & Stars designers is working with Nike employee Weston on choosing the color and detailing for the custom pair so it’s highly unlikely that you’re seeing the finished shoe as opposed to a an office sample used to work against in building the collaboration.

The shoe is being built for the The Lake & Stars pop up store, which is set to launch on November 10th. The slight hitch with the pop-up we learned from Racked yesterday, is the sponsoring organization, BOFFO, used up all it’s money on Nicola Formichetti’s pop up and may not have enough cash to do any more pop ups. One hopes it all works out–wanna see the sneakers!

Well this is sort of fascinating–Nike markets its runing shoes via U.K. singer/songwriter Ellie Goulding in a video that shows her both running and performing. Interesting to me anyway because Nike has always been obsessed with promoting itself to the world as rooted in performance. Speak to its p.r. people for an article or listen to any speech made by executives and you can basically use the word “performance” as the basis of a drinking game–they use the word that often in an almost mantra-like way.

And yes, Nike has done collaborations with artists, designers, musicians, etc. but it’s my recollection that when it comes to technical product Nike always connects that product to recognized athletes. This sort of change in strategy where Nike positions musicians as athletic-like performers follows the lead of Adidas’s “All In” campaign, which features both athletes and musicians. Not sure of the implications, but definitely it will be interesting to see if the mighty Swoosh continues down this path. Via Ffg.

In an effort to promote greater sustainability in fashion, Hurley and Nike collaborated with Otis College on a student-designed collection whose themes were based on the Nike considered index tool, which, according to press includes three themes:

The first, regenerative, is a focus on reusing, recycling or repurposing materials, garments or found objects to create new apparel expressions. The second, heirloom, challenges students to create classic, timelessly valuable designs that improve with age and use. And the third, sustainable sesign, is a modern approach to design solutions, teaching students to consider low impact, environmentally positive supply chains and defy traditional approaches to apparel design through creative use of construction, materials and process.

The 18-look capsule collection debuted in Spring 2011 via a live runway show at The Beverly Hilton, and will be presented at Hurley’s H Space Gallery, kicking off with a VIP reception this Thursday, October 20th until December 16th. It then heads to Beaverton, where it will be displayed at Nike’s headquarters.

See more images from the collection on the next page.

Nike takes a more creative approach to its Autumn 2011 presentation by collaborating with female comic book artists Jan Duursema and Amanda Connor to create a “Make Yourself A Superhero” lookbook–an approach that takes the focus off of the celebrity athlete (which unfortunately there is a dearth of when it comes to females) and puts it squarely on the every day woman.

As for the artists, Duursema is known for her work on the Star Wars series and Connor has contributed to Mad magazine and has drawn for DC Comics’ Power Girl and Atlee.

See more looks on the next page.

Even if you’re not a girly girl you have to admit that these are fun. These Nike “Air Rift Lace Pack” kicks launched last month and are almost sold out at Atmos Girls but stocked in full at  Nike Store ( in many more colorways). Perfect for bike riding too!

Nike presents the Women’s SFB Premium Boot QS and it is already one of our favorite Swoosh releases in a while for women. The combination of the technical combat boot with flower patterns and pastel colors somehow works for us.

“Inspired by Nike co-founder and University of Oregon Track & Field Coach Bill Bowerman’s time in the 10th Mountain Division of the US Army, the Nike Innovation Kitchen and Tobie Hatfield set out to honor their founding father with a modern athletic boot designed for first responders. Initially launched in 2009, the Nike Special Field Boot (SFB) was engineered to the specifications of elite military personnel. The SFB was quickly adopted as one of Nike Sportwear’s most distinct styles and this release sees the model modernized with a classic Liberty pattern.

The Women’s SFB Premium QS features quick-drying synthetic leather overlays for durability and support, multiple ventilation zones for breathability and a Nike Free-inspired outsole designed for traction and a natural range of motion. The boot’s ultra lightweight, breathability and cushioning provide performance benefits with sensible street appeal. The boot debuts in July and select global retailers.”

Detailed images of the boots follow after the jump.

Check out Nike’s Cortez and Waffle Racer in special make up colors you will only find at J.Crew. They’re listed under women’s shoes, but sizing is unisex.

See more colors on the next page.

We’re always happy to see sneakers and clothes by the powerhouse brands like Nike and Adidas made for the ladies, but raise your hand  if you feel like us females are just a side thought for the most part. Like once in a while they toss us a bone just cuz they sort of have to. It’s sad because the potential for them to do amazing things for women is beyond sky high, it’s planetary! Via Sneakerfreaker.

See a bright blue version on the next page.