The third season of Stranger Things is nearly here.
The show returns to Netflix on July 4, and people are already gearing up for its arrival. It’s not just people though; brands are also getting in on the action. And while themed ice cream with Baskin Robins isn’t exactly mind-blowing, the smash-hit series’ collaboration with Nike is so awesomely nostalgic—and stylish—that fans of the show and the swoosh should be very excited.
The new Hawkins-inspired collection was just unveiled today, and it’s a perfectly on-point ode to the ’80s. On the sneaker front, it features the Cortez, the Tailwind, and the Blazer. They’re all Nike classics, and they were all available in the summer of 1985, when the events of Season 3 are set to take place. So that’s a nice little touch for the historically minded folks out there.
ven if you don’t give a damn about that kind of accuracy, the shoes deliver on the style front. The entire first drop, which arrives on June 27, is done up in Hawkins High orange and green, and the colorways—from a saturated green Tailwind with and orange swoosh, to more muted takes on the Blazer and Cortez that place the colors on a white base—feel retro in the right way. Sure, they’d work for phys-ed in ’85, but they’ll also look great on the street in 2019.
Speaking of phys-ed, there’s also apparel and accessories that are designed to look like they stepped straight out of gym class. We’re talking hoodies, tees, and tees emblazoned with the Hawkins High School crest. It’s a look that’s probably going to resonate more with true fans of the Duffer brothers’ work than casual watchers, but it’s a welcome addition nonetheless.
Surprisingly, that’s not all there is to this collaboration. The Hawkins-themed gear is just the first installment. Less than a week after the first drop, Nike’s releasing another “OG” pack of Stranger Things sneakers in red, white, and blue. The patriotic trio of kicks—the Tailwind, Blazer, and Cortez once again—are designed to celebrate the Independence Day theme (and release date) of the upcoming season.
So, now you’ve got three things to add to your calendar. Drop one on June 27, drop two on July 1, and the debut of Season 3 on July 4.
If all goes according to plan, you’ll have some brand new, vintage-inspired gear on hand to binge-watch to your heart’s content.
