The Hello Kitty x Nike Air Presto Is Finally Here After Over 18 Years of Waiting

Well, this is it. After over 18 years of waiting, it looks like the highly-coveted Hello Kitty x Nike Air Presto is finally getting the public release that it deserves. First teased all the way back in 2004, legendary footwear designer Steven Smith originally intended there to be five colourways. But for some reason plans changed last minute and any pairs that were made were subsequently gifted to friends and family. Rumour has it that only 12 pairs of each colourway existed, so you get an idea of just how exceedingly rare these were. You also get an idea of how pumped we are for this unexpected collaboration to pop up again almost two decades later.

Boasting a "University Blue" palette, the Sanrio-inspired Air Presto boasts a full neoprene sockliner with our favourite animated cat's head peppered throughout the upper. A bow graphic adorns the tongue, while the midfoot cage is done up in a matte white finish that's smooth to the touch. The usual "Air"-branded heel badge is replaced with a 3D Hello Kitty, and you'll also find a see-through pull tab here for a utilitarian vibe.

A white Nike Swoosh is finely embroidered on the vamp, and this all comes packed within a special edition shoebox that's all-white with a blue Swoosh and bow motif printed atop.

Expected to arrive alongside a selection of apparel, the Hello Kitty x Nike Air Presto "University Blue" is set to drop sometime in May. Make sure you hit that "Notify me" button to keep up-to-date on this special release, and in related news, Zion Williamson has just confirmed the Naruto x Jordan Brand Collection!