Foot Locker Europe reveals the new and exclusive Nike TN Napoli, a tribute to the iconic Italian city of Naples. This design celebrates the Neapolitan passion for football and music, reflecting the vibrant community and historic neighbourhoods.
Following the iconic exclusive drops in Saint-Denis (France), Brixton (England), Berlin (Germany) and Marseille (France) over the past few years, the newest pair of sneakers now draws inspiration from Naples.
Naples, Italy’s third-largest city, is a vibrant epicentre of Italian urban culture where a passion for sport and streetwear seamlessly blend. Today, the city is experiencing a golden era, marked by recent successes in football, film, and music, enriching Italy’s entertainment industry and cultural landscape like never before.
The sneakers pay homage to Naples with its classic white and light blue colour scheme, complemented by graphics inspired by the Toledo metro stop – a gateway to the renowned Quartieri Spagnoli. On the back is the iconic phrase “VIR NAPULE E PO’ MUOR” (“See Naples and then you die”), a famous expression from poet Goethe that captures the essence of the city. The laces draw inspiration from the globally recognised symbol, the red “cornicello” which represents good luck, while the tongue in yellow and red echoes the colours of the Naples flag. True to its heritage, the silhouette maintains the distinctive features of the beloved TNs, a design that has endured for 26 years, showcasing its timeless appeal.
Showcasing Naples rich cultural tapestry through the voices and talents of its local community, Foot Locker have partnered with a diverse group of Neapolitan talents to bring the TN Napoli to life – including J Lord, one of the most unique 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), striper Nicola Longobardi from the Foot Locker Napoli store, local face Antonio ‘Bostik’ Esposito (founder of Bodega de Dios and Largo Maradona murales) and internationally well-known Italian stylist Ramona Tabita. Neapolitan photographer Ciro Pipoli and videographer Johnny Dama have captured the essence of this collaboration, offering a glimpse into the everyday life of Naples, where football, music, and community are at the heart of it all. Through these authentic connections, Foot Locker and these local talents breathe life into the new TN, celebrating the city and its people in a way that resonates deeply with the local community.
Andrea Cannavaro, footballer, commented: “Thank you to the whole Foot Locker and Nike family for setting up this project involving the most representative neighbourhoods of Naples. As a Neapolitan it makes me really proud.”
Ciro Pipoli, Neapolitan photographer, also added: “Being in love with my city and the brand, I did not think twice before taking part in this project. Shooting the sneakers that symbolise and praise it. It was a huge pleasure for me to be part of it, as paying homage to Naples is my only goal.”
To celebrate the launch, Foot Locker has planned a range of activities for those from the community of Naples to attend. On September 3rd-4th, consumers will have the opportunity to enjoy early access to the sneakers in the Naples stores of Via Toledo, Giugliano and Marcianise. During that time, the brand will unveil the TN Napoli Club at a traditional venue in the heart of Naples city centre – a pop up space held at Pizzeria Santa Maradona, designed to honour the sneakers and bring the local community together. Consumers can expect a DJ set, shoe swap opportunities, exclusive gifts, and a selection of food and drink that celebrates Neapolitan heritage, including fresh limonata, local street food and Neapolitan coffee.
On September 5th, there will be an exclusive launch event at the Via Toledo store, featuring a meet and greet with one the campaign stars, J Lord. The event, taking place from 12pm-6pm, will also include a live DJ set, exclusive merchandise and many other surprises.
To elevate the launch further, a three-week out-of-home campaign was executed across the heart of Napoli City Centre. Beginning on August 12, Foot Locker transformed the streets of central Naples with a vibrant array of billboards in key areas such as Via Toledo and the Vomero district. In addition, banners inspired by the new TN’s aesthetics were placed in the renowned and iconic Largo Maradona.
Slavka Jancikova, Foot Locker’s vice president of marketing, commented: “Building on the success of our exclusive TN drops across Europe in recent years, we are proud to introduce the Nike TN Napoli – a design that is inspired in every way by Neapolitan culture, showcasing both its modernity and historicity in a shoe. At Foot Locker, connecting with local communities is very important to us, and by partnering with Neapolitan talent for this launch, we are not only highlighting the unique essence of Naples but also ensuring that the voices and stories of local Neapolitans play a key part in the launch.”
Following the initial exclusive launch in the Naples stores of Via Toledo, Giugliano and Marcianise from September 3, the Nike TN Napoli will be available throughout Europe from September 5, 2024, for an RRP of £184.99.
