Nike and Hello Kitty are reportedly teaming up again to release some sports apparel items and the Air Prestos that they produced together almost two decades ago. In 2004, the Beaverton, Oregon-headquartered footwear manufacturing company helped the Sanrio character to mark its 30th anniversary by creating a limited-edition sneaker.
It was the Air Presto sneakers, and they created four design versions. Originally, Nike and Hello Kitty planned to release 500 pairs of each type, and all the shoes feature the famous Japanese kitty character. However, the plan did not push through, only 12 pairs were made, and these ended up being given as a gift to select friends and family.
Almost 20 years since Nike created the Air Prestos for Hello Kitty, it was rumored that the companies are in talks for a new collaboration to finally release the sneakers to the public. According to Input Magazine, the labels are already preparing for the launch of the special and cute footwear.
Looks like the Hello Kitty x Nike Air Presto could be seeing a Retro ???? Would you rock a pair?
— Sneaker News (@SneakerNews) August 21, 2021
>>https://t.co/ZGoZqnQfZR pic.twitter.com/rK42GgF3Oj
In any case, aside from the Air Presto sneakers, it was said that Nike and Hello Kitty will be launching more items under their latest partnership agreement. An image of a t-shirt with the famous Nike logo and head of Hello Kitty has been spotted circulating online. Light blue shorts with the face of the Sanrio cat character repeatedly printed on the fabric were also posted.
While there is no confirmation yet from either Nike or Hello Kitty, it was noted that their rumored team-up has been on the news since August of last year. The reports have made fans feel excited about the collaborative items, but they have been waiting for several months now, and there is no update as well.
As for the anticipated Hello Kitty x Nike Air Presto, there is no leaked photo yet, but many believe it will be officially presented soon enough. Meanwhile, two of the 12 sneakers that were given away 18 years ago were said to have ended in a thrift store in Tokyo, while the other pair was once put up for sale at Round Two for $3,000.