Nike Tennis Updates the Vapor 12 Hypersmash with the Hyperdunk 2008's 'United We Rise' Look

Nike Tennis might no longer have the benefit of Serena Williams' dominance on the court, but it continues to enjoy high-visibility and top placements courtesy of a new flock of talent. Additionally, it keeps reimagining some of its storied product lines in refreshing ways, like the Vapor 12 Hypersmash.

The pinnacle of Nike Tennis' innovative efforts, the silhouette builds upon the already-impressive base set by the Vapor 11. The reworked upper and traction pattern provides a lighter package without sacrificing performance (Nike Running's VaporFly 4 follows this design principle, too). An enclosed Air Zoom unit also returns to the historic franchise, delivering an unrivaled, responsive sensation underfoot that'll enable you to be on the offense. And while every aforementioned component is impressive in its own right, they play supporting roles to the color scheme.

Throughout the decades, the Swoosh conglomerate has been self-referential. Air Jordan product inspired by the Nike Air Max series, for example, has been celebrated for its familiar and playful nature. Nike Tennis' 'White/Sport Red/Pure Platinum/Obsidian' makeup is compelling on its own, but even more so when revealed to have been inspired by Nike Basketball's Hyperdunk 2008 'United We Rise.'

Famously worn by Kobe Bryant during the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, the model produced an almost palpable excitement. The story of the Redeem Team has been covered ad nauseam, but the Hyperdunk's not so much. The Swoosh retrod the patriotic pair in 2016, and now its legacy lives on with the Vapor 12. Ornate stars are missing from the tennis offering's makeup, but FlyWire and the remainder of the pair delivers on the good ol' red, white, and blue.

Enjoy official photos of Nike Tennis' patriotic Vapor 12 Hypersmash below. You can head over to Nike.com right now to secure your pair for $180.

For more from the Swoosh conglomerate, check out the Nigel Sylvester Jordan 4 'Brick by Brick' collaboration set to land on Friday, March 14.