Zach Hoo-Lochrie
Welcome Skateboarding, a Spanish institution that has been providing products and fostering a community around skateboarding in Madrid since 2005, is finally getting its first collaboration with Nike SB. Over the years, Welcome has been a focal point for the skate scene in Spain’s capital, hosting launch events and attracting skate enthusiasts like Ishod Wair. This collaboration with Nike SB places Welcome among the select group of skate crews, including Crenshaw Skate Club, April Skateboards, and Doyenne Skateboards, that have received their first Nike SB collaboration in 2023. Although Welcome may not have the global recognition of some of Nike’s other partners, it has played a significant role in reviving Madrid’s skate scene, which faced challenges in the 2000s due to local policies restricting the sport in popular locations like Plaza Colon.
The Welcome Blazer Mid, which serves as the physical skate shop for Welcome, embodies the spirit of inclusivity. Instead of the traditional branding on the spine, it proudly displays “Casa Welcome,” inviting both longstanding fans and newcomers to experience what the brand has to offer. The underside of the tongue label reaffirms this invitation with the words “All Welcome Here.” The sockliners feature a graphic by artist Marta Baztan, which initially appeared on a Welcome skateboard deck in September 2020. The artwork depicts a diverse group of people alongside food, symbolizing the welcoming atmosphere of the shop.
In terms of design, the Blazer Mid features a bone-colored leather upper contrasted by white-and-black inner-lining and laces. The profile swooshes and other panels on the shoe’s edges are adorned with a red color reminiscent of wine, which also highlights the “Madrid” text on the heel. Star-shaped perforations embellish the toe box, while the midsoles maintain a clean white look. The herringbone traction pattern on the outsole deviates from the rest of the shoe with a semi-translucent finish, revealing a large swoosh logo on the left shoe.
As of now, there is no official word on the release date of the Welcome Blazer Mid on Nike SNKRS. However, it is anticipated that this information will be announced soon. In the meantime, fans can enjoy official photos of the collaboration. The Welcome Blazer Mid will be priced at $110 USD.
For more updates from the Nike, Inc. empire, don’t forget to check out the Cherry 12s, one of Michael Jordan’s favorite shoes.
