Nike Launch Tiempo '94 Materazzi Pack - Football News

As Nike were enjoying the spotlight at the 1994 World Cup Final with 22 players on the field lacing up the Nike Tiempo football boots, a young Italian defender dreamed of greatness. With the number 23 on his back, a tribute to his sporting idol Michael Jordan, and Nike Tiempo boots on his feet, Marco Materazzi would rise to the top.
 

Two decades later Nike are celebrating Materazzi’s rise to footballing glory and the success of his retail venture, Milan based sneaker store Space23, by introducing a series of three Tiempo ’94 Mids that pay tribute to the key influences along his journey to the top, namely Michael Jordan and the city of Milan.

Taking influences from the classic basketball shoe the new Tiempo 94’s are slightly higher, cutting just below the ankle with a padded, perforated ankle collar. Most significantly though, the trainers mimic the distinctive colourways of the classic Air Jordan 1, Red/Black, Blue/Black and White/Red/Black.





Constructed with premium leather uppers and iconic colour-blocking, the three sneakers in the series pay homage to his idol and favorite shoes. Not only do the colourways on offer represent Jordan but also tie back to the team he is most known for representing and their biggest rivals.





With three Air Jordan 1 tattoos on his right arm, Materazzi ‘s affinity for Michael Jordan’s signature shoe is no secret. What isn’t known however is his love for Jordan has resulted in his jersey number, marriage date, and son’s birth date, all being 23.





This Tiempo Materazzi pack will be available on Nike.com and at Materazzi’s store, Space23 from February 23rd. What do you think? Join the conversation online, on Twitter and on Facebook.