The new Nike TN by Foot Locker inspired by the city of Naples
It's no coincidence that the upper reminds you of the Toledo metro station
August 28th, 2024
Foot Locker Europe releases the new Nike TN Naples, a tribute to the iconic Italian city of Naples. The design celebrates the passion of an entire city for football and music, reflecting a vibrant community and historic neighborhoods. Following exclusive editions launched for Saint-Denis (France), Brixton (England), Berlin (Germany), and Marseille (France) in recent years, the series now features a sneaker dedicated to the Neapolitan city. Naples, the third-largest city in Italy, is one of the epicenters of Italian urban culture, where the passion for sports and streetwear blends perfectly. Today, the city is experiencing a golden age, highlighted by recent successes in football, cinema, and music, enriching the entertainment industry and the Italian cultural landscape like never before. The sneakers pay homage to Naples with a white and blue color scheme, complemented by graphics inspired by the Toledo metro station. On the back is the iconic phrase "VIR NAPULE E PO’ MUOR", a famous expression coined by the poet Goethe - just enough to describe the city's character. The laces are inspired by the red horn, a symbol now known worldwide. Additionally, the yellow and red tongue echoes the colors of the Naples flag.
Staying true to its well-established history, the silhouette retains its distinctive features, those that have made its design unique for 26 years, demonstrating timeless appeal. To represent and narrate Naples' rich cultural heritage through the voices and talents of its local community, Foot Locker has collaborated with a group of local talents. Among them are J Lord - one of the most iconic voices of the new Neapolitan rap scene - footballer Andrea Cannavaro (son of the iconic last Italian Ballon d'Or winner, World Champion, and Nike athlete Fabio Cannavaro), stripper Nicola Longobardi from the Foot Locker Naples store, local figure Antonio "Bostik" Esposito (founder of Bodega de Dios and the Largo Maradona mural), and internationally renowned stylist Ramona Tabita. Neapolitan photographer Ciro Pipoli and videomaker Johnny Dama captured the essence of the collaboration, offering a glimpse into everyday life in Naples, where football, music, and community are central.
Andrea Cannavaro commented: “Thanks to the entire Foot Locker and Nike family for creating this project involving the most representative neighborhoods of Naples. As a Neapolitan, I am truly proud”. Ciro Pipoli also added: “Being in love with my city and the brand, I did not hesitate to participate in this project. Photographing the sneakers that symbolize and celebrate it has been a great pleasure for me because paying tribute to Naples is my sole objective”. Slavka Jancikova, Vice President of Marketing at Foot Locker, continued: “Building on the success of our exclusive TN releases across Europe in recent years, we are proud to present the Nike TN Naples - a design inspired in every aspect by Neapolitan culture, showcasing both its modernity and historicity in one shoe. For Foot Locker, connecting with local communities is very important, and by collaborating with Neapolitan talents for this launch, we not only highlight Naples' unique essence but also ensure that the voices and stories of local Neapolitans play a key role in the launch”.
To celebrate the launch, Foot Locker has planned a series of activities for the Neapolitan community to participate in. On September 3 and 4, consumers will have the opportunity to preview the sneakers in stores in Naples on Via Toledo, Giugliano, and Marcianise. During this period, the brand will open the TN Napoli Club at a location in the heart of Naples - a pop-up at Pizzeria Santa Maradona, designed to honor the sneakers and bring together the local community. Santa Maradona is a cult place for Neapolitans, located in the heart of the Spanish Quarters, which inevitably attracts tourists from all over the world Consumers will be greeted by a DJ set, exclusive gifts, and a selection of food and beverages celebrating Neapolitan heritage, including fresh lemonade, local street food, and Neapolitan coffee. On September 5, an exclusive launch event will take place at the Via Toledo store, with the chance to meet one of the campaign’s stars, J Lord. The event, running from 12:00 to 18:00, will also feature a DJ, exclusive merchandise, and many other surprises. Additionally, a three-week out-of-home campaign has been created in the heart of downtown Naples. Starting August 12, Foot Locker has transformed the streets of downtown Naples with billboards placed in strategic areas like Via Toledo and the Vomero district. Moreover, banners inspired by the aesthetics of the new TN have been placed in the renowned and iconic Largo Maradona.