Nike SB Ishod Wair Light Olive Skate Shoe Review

Introducing the Nike SB Ishod Wair Light Olive

The skateboarding world has been buzzing lately about the newest addition to Nike's SB line, the Ishod Wair Light Olive. Ishod Wair, one of the top professional skateboarders today, has collaborated with Nike to create a shoe that combines high performance technology with stylish aesthetic. In this article, we'll take an in-depth look at the Ishod Wair Light Olive and see what makes this new SB shoe so special.

Ishod Wair's Background

First, let's learn a bit about the man behind the shoe. Ishod Wair is a American skateboarder known for his creative technical street skating abilities. Born in New Jersey in 1991, Ishod started skating at age 9 and turned pro by 15 when he joined the Real skateboard team. Over his prolific career, Ishod has remained among the world's top ranked street skaters winning Thrasher Magazine's Skater of the Year in 2011 and Transworld Skateboarding's Reader's Choice Award for Best Street Skater in 2013. His dynamic skills and ability to skate everything from ledges to gaps have earned him a passionate fanbase in the skate community.

The Nike SB Ishod Wair Light Olive

The Ishod Wair Light Olive shoe was designed specifically with Ishod's daring street skating style in mind. The official colorway name is "Light Olive/Black-White" referring to the light olive green suede upper offset by white accents. The most noticeable feature of the shoe is the textured olive suede that provides a highly durable upper able to withstand abrasion from grip tape and impact from landings. This rich green suede gives the Ishod Wair Light Olive an earthy, natural look that stands out from standard black or grey skate shoes.

Technical Features

In addition to its stylish aesthetics, the Ishod Wair Light Olive is loaded with technical features primed for peak skate performance. The upper suede is bonded directly to the midsole rather than stitched for increased durability and prevention of ollie blowouts. Under the foot, a drop-in Lunarlon foam sockliner cushions impacts while staying lightweight and flexible. The midsole utilizes Nike's Impax system with foam added underneath the insole and inside the walls for better cushioning. Outsole rubber wraps high up the toe and ollie areas protecting from wear and tear. Herringbone tread patterns on the sole ensure solid grip on griptape so feet stay planted when landing flip tricks.

Unmatched Boardfeel

A key focus in designing the Ishod Wair Light Olive was maximizing boardfeel for skaters. Boardfeel refers to the sensation and control a skater has over their board through their feet. For landing technical tricks and flipping the board, boardfeel is crucial. To enhance boardfeel, the Ishod Wair Light Olive features a low profile, minimalist construction. The upper suede hugs closely to the foot without excess material or padding in the way. The thin Lunarlon sockliner provides cushioning without adding height or bulk. The shoe also utilizes an anatomical last shape mirroring the curves of the foot for a true 1-to-1 fit feeling like a natural extension of the foot.

Nike SB Innovation

Nike has long been at the forefront of technical skate shoe innovation. Ishod Wair joins other renowned Nike SB team skaters like Paul Rodriguez, Eric Koston, and Shane O'Neill who have collaborated with Nike to engineer high performance signature shoes. The Ishod Wair Light Olive incorporates the latest in Nike's research and design drawing from decades refining skate shoes. From precise boardfeel and flex to durability and cushioning, the Ishod Wair Light Olive demonstrates Nike SB's commitment to advancing skate footwear.

Style Profile

Beyond just performance, the Ishod Wair Light Olive also makes a sophisticated style statement. The textured green suede has an earthy, natural look that pairs well with everything from casual shorts to layered streetwear. It provides a refreshing alternative to standard black skate shoes that can blend together. The white accents on the swoosh, midsole, and heel tab give the Light Olive pops of contrast. Grey heel accents and gum bottom complete the sophisticated but understated color palette. Although designed for skating, the Ishod Wair Light Olive has a stylish versatility making them an attractive lifestyle shoe as well.

Outfit Ideas

The Ishod Wair Light Olive's versatile aesthetic pairs well with a range of casual looks. For a relaxed daytime vibe, olive green chino shorts and a white t-shirt or tank top keep things breezy while coordinating with the shoes' colors. Joggers or slim jeans in shades of grey, black, or brown along with a hoodie or flannel shirt create an easy streetwear inspired outfit. For warmer months, the Light Olives look great with cuffed light wash jeans and a black or white tee. The shoes also provide an earthy contrast to black jeans and trousers. Their stylish profile makes the Ishod Wair Light Olives a modern classic addition to any wardrobe.

Where to Buy

The Nike SB Ishod Wair Light Olive initially released on May 1st, 2020 at select skate retailers worldwide and Nike SNKRS. Original retail price was $100. Due to the shoe's popularity and limited quantities, the Light Olive colorway now demands above retail pricing on secondary markets. On sites like eBay, Goat, and StockX the Ishod Wair Light Olive resell price typically ranges from $120 to $200 depending on size.

Restocks

Since the initial launch, Nike has restocked the Ishod Wair Light Olive intermittently online and in stores. Follow @nikesboratory and @nikesb on Instagram for potential restock announcements. Signing up for Nike SNKRS notifications can help you try to secure a pair on restock as well. The Ishod Wair Light Olive also occasionally restocks at third party retailers like Zumiez and Tactics. Check sites regularly and act fast once available to purchase as sizes sell out quickly.

Alternatives

If you take an L on restocks, all hope isn't lost. The Ishod Wair model has released in a few other colorways that offer a similar style. The Black/Tan and Triple White colorways provide clean and classic looks. Or for more adventurous styles, the Blue Fury, Lucid Green, and Hasta Rose color schemes offer brightly colored alternatives. While the original Light Olive remains coveted, Ishod Wair fans have other stylish options to choose from in this popular new SB silhouette.

The Verdict

Blending top-tier skate performance with sophisticated casual style, the Nike SB Ishod Wair Light Olive delivers on all fronts. Ishod Wair's technical street skating expertise combined with Nike's innovation has produced a truly impressive skate shoe. For skaters, the durable textured suede, unmatched boardfeel and optimum impact support make the Light Olive a top contender for their next skate purchase. The earthy green colorway and minimalist style also give the Light Olives broad lifestyle appeal for both skaters and non-skaters alike. It's not hard to see why the Ishod Wair Light Olive has emerged as one of the most sought after Nike SB releases. This versatile new shoe makes a stylish and functional addition to any sneakerhead's rotation.

FAQs

What makes the Ishod Wair Light Olive unique?

The Light Olive colorway features a textured olive suede upper, making it stand out from typical black and grey skate shoes. The rich green hue gives it an earthy, natural style.

What technology does the Light Olive use?

Key tech features include a Lunarlon foam sockliner for cushioning, a minimalist construction for boardfeel, and durable suede able to withstand impacts and abrasion.

Who is the Ishod Wair shoe designed for?

It's designed for Ishod's technical street skating style but also works for skaters of all types. The style has broad appeal for non-skaters as well.

Where can I buy the Ishod Wair Light Olive?

It's sold at select skate shops, Nike SNKRS, and third party retailers like Zumiez and Tactics. Check sites for restocks if sold out.

What is the typical resell price?

The resell price is usually $120 - $200 above retail depending on size due to the shoe's popularity.