Nike Air Flight '89 Low "NAI-KE" Pays Tribute to Basketball Culture in China

Nike’s longstanding relationship with China—both as a manufacturing hub and a major consumer market—has inspired a series of special "NAI-KE" releases over the years. From tributes to the historic 1908 "One Line" series to intricate designs packed with Eastern influence, the Swoosh acknowledges its deep roots in the region. The latest installment in this legacy arrives in the form of the Nike Air Flight '89 Low "NAI-KE", a vintage-inspired take on one of the brand’s most storied basketball silhouettes.

The design starts with a light tan leather upper, but instead of following conventional color-blocking, Nike flips the script by layering crisp white leather overlays on top. Accents of chocolate brown land on the Swoosh, liner, and outsole trim, reinforcing the shoe’s retro aesthetic. One of the most striking details is the semi-translucent midsole, adding a unique visual element not often seen on the model.

Additional nods to basketball heritage appear through jersey-style mesh collars, a Nike Basketball enamel lace lock on the vamp, and jock tag-inspired "NIKE" embroidery at the heel. Inside, NAI-KE-branded insoles cement its place in the collection, ensuring this release aligns with past tributes to China’s basketball obsession.

Set to release exclusively in Greater China, the Nike Air Flight '89 Low "NAI-KE" is expected to arrive in the Summer of 2025.

Elsewhere in the Nike universe, the Air Max 95 "Neon" returns in big-bubble form for Air Max Day.