Last weekend, Toronto played host to the 2016 NBA All Star Weekend and the 6 side did not disappoint. Innumerable events flooded the city but the brand to literally slay the game was Nike. Fanboy-ism aside, the swoosh really did come out guns-a-blazing with several activations, special edition collectables, and game-changing experiences from Nike ID, to a 24 hour Jordan brand pop-up, to the envy-inducing SNKRSXPRESS train! Nike had it on lock! I wasn’t able to attend it all but here are a few photos from the spots I did manage to visit.
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Toronto’s Nike Loft got a fresh facelift in time for All Star Weekend. Nike ID reservations focussed on a limited-time promo to place textures, patterns, and treatments representing signature Canadian traits such as the Northern Lights.

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Special-edition lace locks and tips were provided to customers who designed at the loft that weekend.

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The fellas from Jason Markk were also in town to clean and freshen up your kicks from our salt-staining winter. Special thanks to Elwood and crew for taking care of my shoes, and Curtis, Jenn, and Rich at Nike for the hospitality.

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This weekend was also the official launch for the iconic Air Force 1 with its most pivotal makeover since 1982 – the AF1 Ultra Flyknit! The sole has been excavated and the upper has been given the infamous flyknit treatment, making the AF1 a light-as-f@#$ shoe! Here’s a few pics from a special AF1 Ultra Flyknit installation housed at local store, Livestock!

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And then there was the SNKRSXPRESS. This exclusive shopping experience was a coordinated affair across Toronto, Chicago, New York, and LA. Nike ran Twitter notices on when it would release seats to the train with literally a 5-second window to register. Lucky registrants were treated to an exclusive look at a beautiful Nike installation along with a 20 minute ride around the city on the SNKRSXPRESS train. In short, Nike killed it. But I’ll let the photos do the convincing!

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This infinity-mirror installation was simply bananas!

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Then it was time to board the SNKRSXPRESS!

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The train driver was even rocking AF1 flyknits!

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And that’s a wrap for All Star Weekend in the six! If you were a part of these events in either LA, Chicago, New York, or Toronto, leave a comment below with your experience!

David Soo
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