From Saucony to Nike: Jae Tips Makes a Major Sneaker Move, Shaking Up the Industry

After three years of successful collaborations with Saucony, rapper and designer Jae Tips announced that he will now be working with Nike. The news was shared via an Instagram post on Thursday morning, featuring him in a varsity jacket that combined the logos of Savior Worldwide and Nike. In the caption, Jae Tips wrote: “New chapter: This one was destiny, I dreamed many nights about this one, I am the testament of 10,000 nights and 10,000 hours, I am the retail to legendary example: not only did I prove the haters wrong, I proved myself right> this one is for my city.”

Jae Tips launched Savior Worldwide in 2019, and the brand quickly gained attention, even surpassing his musical output, which currently has 14 albums. The collaboration with Saucony began in 2023 with the Grid Azura 2000 “Remember Those Who Fronted.” This model sold for over $1,000 on the resale market and earned them the FN Achievement Award for Collaboration of the Year.

The collaboration with Saucony was a resounding success, especially with the launch of the Grid Azura 2000 “Remember Those Who Fronted.” This model became a coveted item in the resale market, reaching prices above $1,000. This success not only demonstrated Jae Tips' ability to connect with the public but also earned him the prestigious FN Achievement Award for Collaboration of the Year in 2023. “I’ve been doing a lot of creative work, but I needed someone to cosign me,” Jae Tips told Footwear News upon receiving the award. “I am grateful for Saucony because what does all that work mean after a while if nobody taps in to work with me? The people who follow and support me, how long will they keep showing up to events and buying products if people aren’t also stopping them on the street and saying, ‘Wow, you’ve got Jae Tips on. I’ve seen him on Footwear News'”.

This collaboration marked a turning point in Jae Tips' career, establishing him as a key figure in the world of sneakers and streetwear.

Jae Tips' relationship with Nike is not new, as the designer was inspired by a custom Air Force 1 design he created at the now-closed Nike Lab 21 Mercer in New York City. In addition, he took elements from Atmos' iconic Air Max 1 and the Air Force “Invisible Woman.” The transition to Nike seems natural, considering his affinity for the brand and his ability to create innovative and attractive designs. The collaboration with Nike opens a new chapter in Jae Tips' career, promising new and exciting creations for sneaker and fashion lovers.

The news of the collaboration with Nike comes after the release of several successful collections with Saucony, including the ProGrid Triumph 4 “Flowers Grow Uptwon” released in October.

Nike also announced on Thursday, for Air Max Day, a new program called “Air Works” in which designers from nine global cities will go to its world headquarters in May to create their own sneakers. New York is one of those cities, which opens the possibility of Jae Tips representing his hometown in this initiative. This program could be a platform for Jae Tips to continue demonstrating his talent and creative vision in collaboration with Nike. Jae Tips' participation in “Air Works” would be an excellent opportunity to merge his unique style with Nike's innovation, generating even more excitement among his followers and sneaker enthusiasts.

Jae Tips' transition to Nike and the “Air Works” program promise an exciting future for the designer and the brand, consolidating his position in the fashion and athletic footwear industry.