The new collection features Air Max Plus sneakers and apparel inspired by the beloved manga franchise
Category: Arts & Culture
Nike has officially unveiled its collaboration with the globally popular manga franchise One Piece, introducing a collection that includes three colorways of the Nike Air Max Plus sneakers along with apparel such as jerseys, T-shirts, and caps. This highly anticipated launch, which draws inspiration from the franchise's legendary Devil Fruits, is set to roll out in September 2026.
The collection features three distinct Air Max Plus designs, each inspired by a different Devil Fruit: the Gomu Gomu no Mi, Ope Ope no Mi, and Mera Mera no Mi. Each sneaker showcases unique upper designs that have been completely retooled for this collaboration, highlighting the powers associated with these mythical fruits. The Gomu Gomu no Mi sneaker, for example, is themed around rubber-like abilities, whereas the Mera Mera no Mi reflects fire-controlling powers, and the Ope Ope no Mi embodies the 'ROOM' ability.
Nick Remlinger, General Manager of Energy Gaming at Nike, expressed the brand's vision for the collaboration, stating, “We were inspired by the superhuman abilities that are unleashed when One Piece characters eat the Devil Fruits, much like the feeling an athlete has when they put on a pair of Nikes. We then started reimagining the beloved Air Max Plus in a way that fans of the silhouette have never seen before.” This sentiment captures the essence of the collection, merging the adventurous spirit of One Piece with Nike's innovative design philosophy.
The Gomu Gomu no Mi sneaker (style code IR0968-500) will be available for preorders via SNKRS in the United States, Japan, and select European countries on September 25, 2026. Meanwhile, a standard launch for this sneaker will occur on the same day in China, Mexico, and Australia. In Korea, the Gomu Gomu no Mi style will be available through SNKRS Exclusive Access on the same date.
On September 12, 2026, the Mera Mera no Mi sneaker (style code IW1283-800) will be released exclusively at select retailers in Japan, Korea, China, Taiwan, Indonesia, and Mexico, followed by an Australia launch from October 16 to 18, 2026. The Ope Ope no Mi sneaker (style code IW1282-600) will be released exclusively at select retailers in the United States and Europe on September 19, 2026.
The collaboration between Nike and One Piece marks a notable intersection of sportswear and pop culture, particularly within the world of anime and manga. One Piece, which has captivated audiences for over two decades, is renowned for its storytelling and for its unique characters and imaginative concepts, such as the Devil Fruits that grant superhuman abilities to those who consume them. This collaboration is part of a broader trend where brands tap into the cultural significance of popular media to engage fans and consumers.
Nike's approach to the One Piece collection goes beyond merely applying graphics to the classic Air Max Plus silhouette. Instead, the brand has redesigned the sneaker's upper to resonate with the themes and aesthetics of the manga. The inclusion of apparel items, such as T-shirts featuring Monkey D. Luffy's Jolly Roger and manga illustrations styled like classic Nike ads, emphasizes the creative synergy between the two worlds.
The collection also reflects Nike's strategy of engaging with diverse fan bases and exploring new avenues for brand storytelling. By integrating elements of One Piece into its product offerings, Nike aims to inspire creativity and self-expression among fans, encouraging them to embrace the adventurous spirit embodied by the franchise.
The rollout of the One Piece x Nike collection begins with a pop-up event in Tokyo from September 4 to 6, 2026, where fans will have the opportunity to experience the collection firsthand. Following that, additional pop-up events will take place in various cities, including Hong Kong on September 12 and Amsterdam on September 19, leading up to the global launch on SNKRS on September 25, 2026.
Each sneaker in the collection is priced at $180, with a limited number of pairs available through the various release channels. Nike's phased release strategy allows the company to gauge demand and manage inventory effectively, particularly in light of recent challenges faced by Nike Direct, where revenue has seen a notable decline.
As the sneaker and apparel industry continues to evolve, collaborations like this one with One Piece highlight the importance of cultural relevance in product offerings. Fans eagerly await the release, and the excitement surrounding the collection is expected to contribute positively to Nike's engagement with its consumer base.
The One Piece x Nike collection is not just a celebration of sneaker culture; it is a fusion of storytelling, creativity, and athleticism that resonates with fans around the world. With the global launch just weeks away, anticipation is building for what will likely be a unique and memorable collection.