posted 12-15-2009 04:00 PM               

Nike 6.0 Buzz Aldrin Rocket Hero Mavrk Mid 2
Collaboration between Nike 6.0 and astronaut Buzz Aldrin

Credit: Nike 6.0

The partnership between Nike and Buzz Aldrin is based on a shared passion for performance innovation — constantly exploring and always on the search for the unexpected. Buzz Aldrin serves as an icon of exploration, a space pioneer, and maverick who looked towards the next frontier. His personality, independence and creativity are similar to the mindset of Nike's 6.0 athletes who are pushing the boundaries of their respective sports. The lunar module pilot and second man to walk on the moon shared his lunar experiences, including photographs from the Apollo 11 mission, to inspire the Nike 6.0 Buzz Aldrin Rocket Hero Mavrk Mid 2.

The Mavrk Mid 2 is constructed with a cold-wrap process, which allows the reduction of material in the outsole for a significantly lighter shoe while reducing the use of harmful solvents. The insertion of a true mid-sole offers increased impact absorption while integrated Nike Free inspired flex-grooves on the outsole allow for torsional flex and board-feel for true lightweight performance. A stitchless toe creates a clean finish and amplifies durability.

This sleek midnight black shoe physically represents the infinite darkness and unseen depths of space, as experienced by Buzz Aldrin. The two-toned Swoosh design mimics the dark and light side of the moon. The upper and toe are printed with one of Buzz's own photos taken in 1969 whilst orbiting the moon in Apollo 11.

Buzz's actual footprint, having forever been stamped into moondust, is emblazoned across the insole. Now you can walk in the shoes of a man who spacewalked his way into history.

Nike 6.0 Buzz Aldrin Rocket Hero Mavrk Mid 2
...Just another small step for mankind.

Available at select retailers January 1st. (MSRP $85)

Credit: Nike 6.0

posted 12-15-2009 10:28 PM               

Obviously they're meant as collectibles, rather than to be worn, but they should be a quality product... Nike doesn't put out cheap product, especially with a prominent name attached to it.

posted 12-16-2009 05:58 PM               

I can tell you that the design for the moon boot would never work here on earth due to the the lug design. Good for walking and getting a grip in dry moon soil. Sole lugs way too aggressive and too perpendicular to the stride for traction on hard or wet surfaces that we walk on 98% of the time here on earth.

posted 12-16-2009 10:08 PM               

"Pretty sick concept, and props to 6.0 for pulling it off." - complex.com

"The shoe is comfortable as it is good looking. With more padding and some ankle support from the height of the shoe, you can expect this to be hard to leave on a shelf in your bedroom. Instead you will want to cruise the boulevard with these!" - grindtv.com

"It's a striking design and a moonboot footprint on the insoles finishes the theme nicely." - sneakernews.com

The Nike Air Max 1 ND [pictured, left] is among the Swoosh's special celebrations commemorating the 40th anniversary of Neil Armstrong's historic steps on the moon. This theme is reflected in the crumpled metallic silver leather that represents both the lunar surface and the LEM (lunar excursion module) that touched down in the Sea of Tranquility.

...this new pair [pictured, right] of Nike Air Max 1s does a nifty job of achieving its lunar landing theme. The upper is comprised of mostly black leather with touches of quilted black nylon and metallic silver accents. A strip of the upper directly above the midsole is embossed with a crater-like pattern and a moon boot-evoking silver midsole completes the vibe.

posted 01-12-2010 07:09 PM               

The Pack, which the site says was inspired by the 40th anniversary of the Apollo moon landing, also credits its design to Aldrin and a visit to NASA by the Nike team.

Among the t-shirts, hats, hoodies and backpacks offered as part of the line, there is the EVA Men's Jacket, which evokes Gemini and Apollo spacesuits with its use of red and blue Velcro fasteners and zip pulls.

The Explorer Pack full kit also features several designs that evoke mission patches, space chimps and galaxies.

posted 01-17-2010 02:08 PM               

The Nike 6.0 Men's EVA jacket is inspired by Buzz Aldrin and his NASA spacesuit from 1969. EVA means extra-vehicular activity and in his case the vehicle was Gemini 12, a low-tech spacecraft that Buzz used to prove that man could walk on the moon.