Nike Expands Refurbish Initiative, Selling Used Sneakers Online
Earlier this week, Nike’s online store introduced a range of second-hand sneakers as part of the ongoing expansion of the “Nike Refurbished” initiative. This initiative, initially introduced in April 2021 as part of Nike’s Move to Zero initiative, focuses on offering refurbished sneakers that cannot be sold as brand new.
Nike Refurbished Process
The eligible footwear for Nike Refurbished includes returns, exchanges, and shoes with minor imperfections, including both men’s and women’s performance and lifestyle footwear. Each shoe’s condition is evaluated and graded by Nike’s team of experts, resulting in categorizations such as “Like New,” “Gently Worn,” or “Slightly Imperfect.” Additionally, every shoe undergoes a thorough cleaning by Nike’s expert team before being assessed.
“Like New” refurbished shoes are in pristine or nearly pristine condition, showing no signs of wear or defects. “Gently Worn” shoes are in excellent condition with minor visible wear or slight imperfections. On the other hand, “Slightly Imperfect” shoes exhibit no wear but may have minor flaws like stains, marks, discolorations, or fading, though they are otherwise close to new.
If the Nike Refurbished shoes you purchase don’t meet your expectations, you can return them following Nike’s standard return guidelines, available in the Returns section of the Nike website.
It’s important to note that Nike does not provide in-store refurbishment services, and you cannot bring your Nike shoes to their physical stores to be refurbished. The refurbishment process is not conducted on-site. Furthermore, Nike does not accept donated or sold footwear for the Nike Refurbish program. However, they encourage customers to donate or responsibly recycle their footwear when they are no longer in use.
Not every Refurbished item will meet a sellable condition, but that doesn’t mean it heads to a landfill. Nike says they donate or recycle products to give them new life and another wear.
For more information about the Nike Refurbished initiative, you can find additional details on their website here.
Top 8 Hip-Hop Sneaker Collabs: Music Meets Footwear
Hip-hop culture goes way beyond the music. It includes various elements, from footwear choices shaping fashion trends to graffiti and breakdancing. Hip-hop has significantly impacted culture and continues to play a substantial role.
Examples include the popularity of Tommy Hilfiger monograms worn by figures like Aaliyah and the trend of baggy overalls that dominated the late 1980s and early 1990s. Hip-hop artists had a defining influence on the fashion of that era.
“My Adidas”
Footwear has always held a special place in hip-hop culture, and sneaker culture has become closely intertwined with music and style. The Adidas Superstar, introduced in 1970 as a basketball shoe, has experienced various waves of popularity. It was embraced by hip-hop artists, notably highlighted by Run DMC, who incorporated the Superstar into their identity, particularly with their track “My Adidas.”
“Stompin’ in my Air Force Ones”
Air Force 1s have consistently been a staple in hip-hop’s choice of footwear. Similarly to Run DMC’s impact with “My Adidas,” hip-hop artist Nelly contributed to one of the prominent sneaker anthems of the early 2000s with his song “Air Force Ones.” The Air Force 1 remains a classic option for sneaker enthusiasts.
Another iconic sneaker is the Air Jordan 1. It marked the initial collaboration between Michael Jordan and Nike, representing a basketball shoe and a status symbol. Its influence extended beyond the basketball court, becoming an iconic urban fashion sneaker. The story of this show was recently told in the Ben Affleck-directed film, Air.
Sneakers and boots
During the late 1980s and early 1990s, the Timberland boot became a preferred choice of hip-hop artists. Personalities like Kanye West, the Notorious B.I.G., and Tupac frequently wore the 6″ Timberland boots. Originally designed for laborers, they were adopted by New York City residents for their durability and weather resistance.
K Swiss also found a place within hip-hop culture, highlighted by the documentary “K-Swiss California Love” following Snoop Dogg and Tupac’s involvement with the brand.
Footwear and music merge
People have eagerly lined up outside physical stores for new sneaker releases for decades. This enthusiasm for sneakers remains strong today, with many artists and celebrities collaborating with beloved brands, continuing the evolution of sneaker culture.
Check out some of the top sneaker collaborations.
12 Best TV Shows Centered On Hip-Hop
This year marks the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, with festivals taking place worldwide. Festivities include concerts, tours, battles, competitions, exhibitions, and more. Featuring beloved DJs, MCs, breakdancers, beatboxers, graffiti artists, and many other talented people coming together to celebrate this milestone.
Hip-hop has proven to be more than just a music genre. One domain where its influence has had an impact is television. In its early days, hip-hop faced significant criticism and was often subjected to harmful stereotypes perpetuated by mainstream media. However, as hip-hop artists continued to defy expectations and prove their talent, television gradually began to reflect this shift. Shows like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, which starred Will Smith, and In Living Color, which showcased a diverse cast and featured hip-hop elements, helped challenge stereotypes and introduced a new narrative on TV.
Hip-hop’s TV influence
As hip-hop’s popularity skyrocketed, it started influencing TV storytelling. Shows like Empire and Power integrated hip-hop culture into their narratives, offering a glimpse into the music industry and the life of artists. Additionally, hip-hop-themed reality TV competitions, such as Rhythm + Flow and The Rap Game, have provided aspiring artists with a platform to showcase their talent and win industry recognition. These programs have allowed viewers to connect with hip-hop on a deeper level and gain insights into the art form.
Hip-hop’s impact on television goes beyond fiction. Docuseries like Hip-Hop Evolution and Unsung give us an inside look into influential artists’ lives and the genre’s history. These shows educate and celebrate hip-hop’s cultural significance, winning hearts worldwide. Hip-hop now drives TV commercials, featuring artists and their music to boost product appeal.
From its early days battling stereotypes to its current influence on various TV formats, hip-hop has revolutionized television in countless ways. Its ability to inspire creativity, break barriers, and foster inclusivity has forever changed the small screen landscape. As we continue to celebrate the genre’s milestones and significant impact on society, hip-hop’s journey on television is far from over. With its continued growth and evolution, hip-hop will undoubtedly leave an enduring legacy, shaping television for future generations.
Kayla is the midday host on Detroit’s 105.1 The Bounce. She started her career in radio back in 2016 as an intern at another Detroit station and worked her way here. She's made stops in Knoxville, TN, Omaha, Ne and other places before returning to Detroit. She’s done almost everything in radio from promotions to web, creating content on social media, you name it.
She’s a true Michigander, born and raised. So, you can catch her camping or vacationing up north to exploring the downtown Detroit or maybe even catching a sports game. During her free time, Kayla enjoys watching movies, roller-skating, crafting, and music festivals. She and her husband together dip into many of the great things Michigan has to offer. Together they also like to travel.
A few hobbies of hers include wine and beer tastings, crafting, hiking, roller skating, movies, home improvement projects, gardening, and festivals. She’s always looking to take on more local events happening in the community.
She loves connecting with the community. When writing, Kayla covers topics including lifestyle, pop culture, trending stories, hacks, and urban culture.
