Nike Air More Uptempo “Thank You, Wilson” Honors the Industry’s First Black Designer

The iconicNike Air More Uptempo has become one of Nike’s mainstay silhouettes over the past half-decade, with the model making sporadic appearances over the course of the last few years. Now it’s reappeared as a special tribute to the industry’s first black designer — and the man behind the More Uptempo — Wilson Smith III.

Dedicated to many aspects of Wilson’s life — namely, his love of space-age TV — the pair features an otherworldly sunset of a futuristic city; the gradient upper carries you to the far reaches of time while the oversized graffiti-styled graphics bring a starlit shimmer with their reflective accents. Ready for lift-off? The tongue label insignia (repping Smith’s initials and start date at Nike) is your ticket to launch.

And speaking of launch: Smith’s career has been a highlight reel of lifting others up. Defined by his passion around coaching, teaching, and giving back, his trailblazing efforts are captured by the quote on the insole: “…in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” From designing and developing products for some of Nike’s greatest athletes to leading the way for Black designers, Smith has paved the way with his larger-than-life personality and positivity. Recalling one of his early Uptempo prototypes (check out the mesh upper), this shoe honors his journey and bold style — even the shoe box comes decorated with one of Smith’s original space drawings.

An official release date for this mysterious new Nike Air More Uptempo “Thank You, Wilson” has not yet been identified, but we are expecting to hear more details soon. Until then, grab an official look at the pair here below, and as always, keep your eyes glued to our official Twitter account for further updates.

Nike Air More Uptempo “Thank You, Wilson”

Release Date: October 21, 2022

Adult Style Code: DR9612-100
GS Style Code: DV6487-001
Retail: $175