Having stirred up plenty of buzz, the Bode x Nike launch is here with some incredibly sought-after Astro Grabber shoes and 1970s-inspired apparel. It’s part of Bode Rec – the brand’s luxe sportswear line – and it combines Nike’s heritage with the New York-based label’s artisanal expertise and craftsmanship.
A hint of the collaboration between the two names first emerged almost a year ago, when the Astro Grabber shoes featured in Bode’s Fall/Winter 2024 campaign imagery. Fans have been waiting for further details ever since, and now the full collection of shoes and ready-to-wear is dropping online this week.
First things first, the shoes. Bode has revived the Nike Astro Grabber, which was initially introduced in 1974 as an American football sneaker. Nike co-founder Bill Bowerman designed the lightweight, flexible shoe, which is set on one of Nike’s early waffle soles. Although it has a key place in Nike history – it was the first of their shoes to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated – it’s a little-known style that has yet to experience a reissue – until now. As luck would have it, the Bode collaboration is dropping just in time to celebrate the Astro Grabber’s 50th birthday.
For the collaboration, Bode has created two colorways. One has a leather upper in sleek monochrome, and the second is a cream pair with a relaxed knitted upper. Both are adorned with the label’s signature trinkets, from a silver-tone baseball to tiny detachable charms.
In true Bode fashion there’s thoughtful details, including nostalgic sports pins, dainty bows and quirky embellishments like the colorful lobsters and airplanes that decorate the cream Astro Grabbers.
Model: Bode Rec. x Nike Astro Grabber ‘Black and Coconut Milk’
Price: USD$160 (approx. S$218)
Release date: April 18
Buy here: Bode.com | Nike SNKRS (May 1)
Model: Bode Rec. x Nike Astro Grabber ‘Light Cream and Black’
Price: USD$160 (approx. S$218)
Release date: April 18
Buy here: Bode.com | Nike SNKRS (May 1)
Not to be outdone, the ready-to-wear pieces from the collection echo the same vintage feel as the shoes. Old-school running shorts with retro branding, 70s-inspired jerseys and classic tank tops further establish the overall archival aesthetic language. Classic NFL mainstays like scrimmage pinnies and coach jackets cap off the collection.
Bode’s founder, Emily Adams Bode Aujla, has spoken in depth about the historic influences behind the collection. The brand’s Instagram page reflects on how deep into the archives they delved, and sharing how personal anecdotes have helped to define the collection. The designer cites her father’s experience playing American football in college in the early 1970s as a source of inspiration, aligning his experience with Nike’s own journey throughout this era.
The Bode x Nike Astro Grabber is set to drop on April 18 at Bode.com from April 18 and arrives in Singapore on Nike Snkrs on May 1.