Bring the HexZoom Outsole to More Basketball Shoes
In 2014, NIke once again revolutionized the basketball sneaker game with the introduction of the HexZoom outsole on the Nike LeBron 12. With six different Air Zoom units in the sneaker's forefoot, the LeBron 12 supplies ultra-respsonsive and ultra-flexible cushioning where basketball players need it most. Why not build upon that momentum by introducing the key technology to other players' signature lines like Kevin Durant, Kobe Bryant or Kyrie Irving's? The Swoosh already applied it to a training shoe in the Zoom Hypercross TR, so why not expand it in basketball?
Revive and Improve the Nike Fuelband
Nike's own CEO Mark Parker said that wearable technology is the" future." So it was a little disheartening to see the Swoosh discontinue its Fuelband division in 2014, especially when so many other fitness trackers were booming. For 2015, we'd love to see Nike revive the Fuelband and bring it back better than ever with all new features and better Nike+ synchronization.
Sign Anthony Davis to a Signature Sneaker Deal
No offense to Kyrie Irving, we do really like the Kyrie 1, but Anthony Davis probably should have been the next NBA star to get a signature shoe. Given the lack of big mens' presence in today's sneaker game (does anyone really remember that Dwight Howard has a signature line?), Anthony Davis could revive the popularity and marketability of the center position with his own sneaker with the Swoosh. Davis already wears Nike's on-court so it can't be too hard to get him a signature shoe, right?
Do More Cross-Sport Collaborations
The Air Jordan III x Nike Vapor 9 Tour collaboration between Roger Federer and Michael Jordan may just be the performance sneaker of the year. Riding on the success of this momentous sneaker occasion, Nike should put out more cross-sport, intercompany collabs. Maybe do one with LeBron James and Tiger Woods? Cristiano Ronaldo and Mike Trout? Let's make this happen.
Continue to Put Out Player Endorsed Trainers
We know everyone can't be a signature athlete. But that doesn't mean that players still can't endorse their own sneaker. In the fashion of Bo Jackson and Ken Griffey, Jr. before them, Nike put out trainers for stars like Marshawn Lynch, Richard Sherman and AJ Green in 2014. Let's hope the training shoe scene continues to blossom in 2015.
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