Nike x One Block Down's inaugural TN collaboration draws inspiration from distinct cities, color-coding each pair to embody the essence of its environment.

Throughout this piece, we’re here to cut through the hype, dig into the details, and focus on the colorway that really connects to the subcultures we vibe with the most. We’re talking about the vibrant orange, representing Salvador de Bahia and Marrakech.

An Institution

For those who don’t know, One Block Down is one of the biggest names in the game when it comes to street culture, holding it down from Milan. They’ve mastered the art of blending the past, present, and future of subcultures, showing just how deep their impact runs on fashion and modern culture.

Just the other day, they dropped news of a fire collab with Nike, bringing us three new colorways of the TN—easily one of the most hyped Nike silhouettes right now and the ultimate canvas for collabs. So many colorways have dropped over the years, with tons of creators jumping on board. I’ve got a few pairs myself, including a purple one I copped in Tokyo not too long ago.

Over at onetwo, the team’s heavy into collecting them, especially after the TN started crossing over into football culture with collabs like the one with Patta & Barcelona. Right now, we’re all about that TN life.

Before we zoom in on the orange pair, let’s first take a moment to acknowledge the other two versions: Marseille and Milan.

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The blue pair, inspired by Marseille, pays homage to the city's coastal ambiance, evoking images of azure seas and sunlit shores. This connection to the sea not only reflects the city's natural beauty but also its vibrant culture and lifestyle centered around maritime activities.

Then there's the grey pair, representing Milan, rooted in urban sophistication. Known for its fashion-forward mentality and modern architecture, Milan is a city where the old seamlessly blends with the contemporary. The grey silhouette echoes the concrete structures and urban landscapes, embodying the essence of a bustling European metropolis.

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Salvador’s Orange

The orange edition, inspired by the warm hues of a setting sun, is a tribute to both Salvador and Marrakech. This colorway captures the vibrant energy of Salvador's beaches and the rich, arid landscapes of Marrakech. Both cities are cultural crossroads, and this design honors their distinct identities while celebrating shared themes of sun-soaked beauty and community gatherings along the shore. The project was brought to life through the creativity and efforts of mellovara, who led production in Brazil. Mellovara’s work is known for blending cultural differences with a joyful, street-centered aesthetic, perfectly embodying what One Block Down and Nike aimed to achieve with this collaboration.

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With his diverse cultural background, mellovara focused on this project, bringing the colorful TN design to Brazil’s vibrant, bustling streets. The orange tones evoke the sun and beach, playing off the water's reflections in the production process. While the collaboration between Nike and One Block Down was already a standout on its own, the creative approach elevates it further by embedding the shoes into a specific cultural context. By doing so, the project breathes life into the sneakers, transforming them from objects into symbols that contribute to a collective imagination and shared cultural experience.

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When asked about the project mellovara explains:

"This project is really something special, straight from the culture. We all grew up in the streets with these TNs—whether it’s in France, Brazil, or Milan, they’ve always been a part of the dream. They’ve got that vibe everyone connects with, always feeling special. For me, it was unreal to bring this to life in a place that’s not known for being wealthy, but where kids still hustle and save just to get their hands on these shoes. They mean something real out here—they're more than sneakers, they’re a symbol".

The Mission

What really stands out in this project is how the artistic approach blends football, the sand, and shared cultural imagery, bringing the TNs into focus as a key element of the scene. The bright orange colorway catches the eye, whether you’re on the street, the sand, or a dirt field. TNs have always had bold colorways, and we at onetwo can confidently say that the orange really pops out there—whether it's on the streets or a dusty pitch. It’s a young gun’s shoe for sure, and we’re expecting to see it everywhere.

At onetwo we love how it unites different cultures with a common goal: transforming the streets into a positive space for connection, play, and joy—moving beyond the usual stereotypes. It’s about reshaping the image of the street as a place where community and creativity come together. We’re proud to showcase stories like this one. If you didn’t cop them, sorry—they’re sold out. Catch you next time, for the culture.

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