words_Brandon Richard
Sony PlayStation Director of Product Publicity Ron Eagle wears many hats. One of the tasks he's undertaken over the years was helping forge the relationship between PlayStation and Nike. Eagle has done everything from bring PlayStation gaming to special Nike events to creating custom showcases for Nike product. As we all know, that relationship has also helped bring about some of the most beloved and coveted sneakers in the game. In 2009, Eagle received a phone call from Nike giving him the opportunity to design a custom sneaker as a way of saying thanks. That phone call resulted in another one of those Nike x PlayStation classics.
With Nike looking to revamp their Training line, they introduced Ron to the Air Trainer 1, which they described as technically advanced, but also noted that they'd reflect some of the great Nike Training shoes of the past. This excited Eagle because the Air Trainer is one of his favorite all-time sneakers. He worked closely with Brian Mitchell and the Nike Training team, giving his input on everything from colors to material selection. After cranking out various samples with different colors, they finally settled on a design. The irony of the final product was that Eagle initially didn't want to do a black-based shoe -- he wanted to stray away a little from the look of the PlayStation Air Force 1. However, after seeing what the Training team had put together, he instantly knew it was the right shoe.
The PlayStation Air Trainer 1 is far and away one of the most detailed sneakers you will ever see. The black base gets color pop from vibrant PlayStation button graphics on the ankle and heel. Lenticular material adds a multicolor effect on the Swoosh and forefoot Flywire support panels. Last, but certainly not least, the Free-inspired outsole gets a blast of color from gel inserts in the translucent outsole. Only 24 pairs of these bad boys are in existence, and one was given away to a member of the Sole Collector forums this year!
Read Steve's interview with Ron Eagle here and remember to check back tonight at 11 p.m. EST for the official unveiling of Sony's latest project with Nike.
