Nike’s “BETRUE” collection aims to reclaim the past and empower the future in support of the LGBTQ community. For 2018, Nike released the “Be True” colorways for sneakers such as Vapormax Plus, Air Max 270, Zoom Fly and Epic React Flyknit. For this year’s collection, the chosen highlights are the color lavender and the pink triangle, which are the colors and symbols that has been reclaimed and historically used by the LGBTQ culture.
The color lavender, a symbolic color for the LGBTQ community that blends gender-linked colors blue and pink, is present in all the four sneakers. The other element, the pink triangle, is originally used to identify LGBTQ individuals during the World War II. It has been used by pro-gay activists, and was later adopted by the AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power (ACT UP) during the “Silence=Death” campaign in the ‘80s.
Now, let’s take a look at each of the sneakers:
Nike Air Vapormax Plus Be True
The Nike Air Vapormax Plus Be True is a hybrid between the classic Nike Air Max Plus and Air Vapormax, Swoosh’s flagship Air Max sneaker. It has a unique sneaker styling that shows off why both aforementioned sneakers are so legendary. A truly unique masterpiece from Nike, it has the brand’s classic running features combined with a more futuristic design.
This sneaker offers a combination of materials like a TPU cage for support and a neoprene for the upper. It is very comfortable – walking while wearing it feels like walking on air – especially because of how the upper conforms to the feet. Minimal break-in is required because of the comfortable VaporMax sole.
What makes the “Be True” version distinct from the other colorways is that it features a rainbow-themed jewel-toned sole and a predominantly black upper, with a mixture of pink, light blue and lavender gradient. Branding-wise, symbols of Pride can be seen from top to bottom. Besides the colors, it features the triangle emblem at the tongue and underfoot, as well as the “Be True” phrase on the heel pulls.
You can purchase Nike Air Vapormax Plus Be True from Amazonn(see link below).
Nike Air Vapormax Plus Be True
Release Date: June 6th, 2018
Product color: Purple Pulse / Black / Pink Blast
Product code: AR4791-500
Nike Air Max 270 Be True
Part of Nike’s “Be True” collection, the Nike Air Max 270 is one of the most head-turning shoes out of the four, yet the most limited release of the collection. It features a grayish lavender mesh upper with special detailing, such as the four-gradient rainbow air unit at the heels, and black accents on the toe, heel and midfoot. The rainbow heel is inspired from the Pride flag, and its heel tabs and insole is branded with the “Be True” campaign.
The Air Max 270 is Nike’s first lifestyle Air model, and is built to withstand all-day wear for people with active lifestyles, without sacrificing style that Air Max fans love. It has an exaggerated heel Air unit with 32 mm height, a breathable knit and mesh upper, and a bootie construction. The shoe is as impressive as it looks.
This sneaker is a winner in terms of support, comfort, lightness and fit. It’s great for walking, exercising and running errands all day.
The Air Max 270 Be True can be bought from Amazon (see link below).
Nike Air Max 270 Be True
Release Date: June 23th, 2018
Product color: Purple Dawn / Pink Blast / Multi-Color-Black
Product code: AR0344-500
Nike Zoom Fly Be True
Designed to make running a breeze, the Nike Zoom Fly was first released in 2015 as part of Nike’s ‘Breaking 2’ campaign. This year, it made a comeback as part of the “Be True” collection to celebrate the LGBTQ community.
The “Be True” version of the Zoom Fly features a mostly white upper with some lavender and pink wavy highlights that run through the shoe. It has the famous pink triangle and the Pride flag on the heel, the “Be True” message on the tongue, and a rainbow gradient stripe flowing through the thick midsole.
Nike Zoom Fly is made of a seamless, one-piece Flymesh upper, and features new tech to make it the fastest running shoe ever. It has a full-length, carbon-infused nylong plate embedded inside the midsole, plus an optimum Lunarlon cushioning that combines soft and firm foam for shock absorption, stability and response. With all these techy features, the Zoom Fly maintains to be plush and comfortable. It’s perfect for wearing in marathon-long races.
The Nike Zoom Fly Be True can be bought from Amazon (see link below).
Nike Zoom Fly Be True
Release Date: June 6th, 2018
Product color: White/Palest Purple / Black
Product code: AR4348-105
Nike Epic React Flyknit Be True
The Nike Epic React Flyknit Be True colorway is all-black with subtle highlights. Its entire upper is made of black Flyknit that features a large, pink triangle at the rear. It also has the “Be True” messaging on the heel loop, and a subtle rainbow theme on the front and rear sections of the sole.
Designed for runners looking for a shoe with a snug fit of a sock, the Nike Flyknit technology was born. The shoe has a feather-weight, form-fitting and virtually seamless upper for a snug and structured fit. The Nike React foam midsole brings a soft and springy cushioning, and the precise placement of support makes it flexible. It allows fast, natural movement without any discomfort.
Besides bringing a lightweight and flexible comfort, this shoe is eco-friendly, too. The preciseness of its manufacturing maximizes performance and reduces the material waste of traditional cut and sew by up to 60%. Also, six recycled bottles are used for every pair of shoe, preventing millions of plastic material from reaching landfills.
Nike Epic React Flyknit Be True
Release Date: June 6th, 2018
Product color: Black / Pink Blast / Purple Pulse / Black
Product code: AR3772-001