EXETER – After launching its running division in Exeter in the 1970s, Nike is again paying homage to the town with the release of a new running shoe.
The running shoe called the “Exeter Edition” is part of Nike’s “City Special” series made for both its Air VaporMax Plus and Air Max Plus designs, according to lifestyle and brand publication HypeBeast.com.
Representatives from Nike did not respond to multiple requests for comment. HypeBeast reported the sneaker is expected to be released in the next couple months.
According to the report, the sneaker will feature vibrant shades volt, orange and lime. The Nike Swoosh appears on the mid-foot and the sole is tinted translucent blue. HypeBeast reports the sale price is listed at $200.
Nike opened its first American factory in Exeter on Front Street in 1974. There, the company manufactured its new line of running shoes until 1983.
Bert Freedman, owner of George and Phillips, said his father, Robert, helped Nike locate the Front Street factory. Freedman said his father was on a first-name basis with company founder and CEO Phil Knight at one time.
Freedman said his family’s shop was the only independently owned Nike factory outlet store in the country for a time. However, he said he will be unlikely to offer the new Exeter-inspired running shoe because Nike now offers many of its new products for direct online purchase only.
On Wednesday, he said he spoke to his Nike sales representative and the person said they would try to work with him to get the new shoe in his store.
Historically Speaking: Nike in Exeter
Freedman said he wasn't aware of the new Exeter shoe until he recently saw it posted on social media.
“They don’t allow stores like me to get many of their newer products anymore,” Freedman said. “If I'm able to get it, I’ll get it up on Facebook for people.”
Freedman said the new “Exeter Edition” running shoe isn’t the first time Nike has made a sneaker to pay tribute to its Exeter connection.
In 2000, Freedman said Nike made the “Air Exeter” to pay homage to the town supporting its running division factory, and the “Air Durham” because a lot of the athletes buying the shoes attended the University of New Hampshire. He said he still has a pair of the Air Exeters in his personal shoe museum.
“We go back a long way with Nike, we did a lot of their testing out of the store,” Freedman said. “We were among the first to stock their shoes on the east coast when they expanded east.”
The Link LonkMarch 04, 2021 at 10:14PM
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Nike to make new 'Exeter Edition' running shoe in a nod to its roots - Seacoastonline.com
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