I really think this is something that could have stayed in the past…
It’s no secret that country music is having its moment, in and out of the musical genre. The country and Western lifestyles are very popular right now, with many major brands highlighting some Western flair in their runway collections. Louis Vuitton went viral last year for their “country-inspired” looks.
While some might not agree with a luxury brand cosplaying this way of life, I think it’s great for the country and Western industry. It draws more attention to the way of life that Taylor Sheridan, in part, made a cultural phenomenon with his hit TV show, Yellowstone, and shines light on the music that plays a massive part in this lifestyle.
It might not be the same style that you see in the Fort Worth Stockyards, but hey, it’s a start of getting country into the mainstream media… even if the mainstream media tends to look down on small town folks.
But now, another brand is trying to get in on the action. Nike announced that it is bringing back the Nike Country belt buckles for the first time since 2003.
According to House of Heat, Nike is releasing three different colorways of the belt buckle: classic black and brown leather options with gold-and-silver buckles, plus a flashier black version with bedazzled detailing, all styles are engraved with “Nike Country” across the front of the metal accessory.
The Nike Country logo was first created in 1976, designed by Geoff Hollister. In 1978, the design was redesigned due to the first drawings being lost. The same thing would happen again in 2003, which was the last time that Nike featured this style in a collection. Nike is set to release the collection this summer (2025), and the belt buckles will be available through select retailers.
A social media account posted images of the 2003 buckles, and the inside details of the buckles nod to the brand’s shoe history on the inside of the buckle. The buckle’s prong is a shoe, which appears to be modeled after the Nike Dunks or the Air Force 1s. When you look to buy one of the older buckles online, they are going for roughly $200 and up, but they are very hard to find online.
Since belt buckles are often personal or won at major competitions that carry sentimental value, I am wondering who is going to purchase these buckles. I think if Nike had a simple detail on the buckle, then that would be a different conversation, but the large engraving of “Nike Country” on the front looks like an eyesore in my opinion. And it doesn’t even really make sense… Stetson might as well launch their Stetson Basketball line.
Given the many craft silversmiths out there, like Montana Silversmiths, Molly’s Custom Silver, Lonestar Silversmiths, and more, if you want a big ole belt buckle, those options are much better and support craftsmen and women who are the last of their kind. And if you just want to dress up like a cowboy, at least go to Boot Barn and get a belt buckle with some Western detail instead of “Nike Country” in big letters across the buckle. And as I write this, I bet these Nike belt buckles will be running wild in Nashville after they return later this summer… country is certainly cool again, but Nike Country? Not sure if that was every cool…
Before you go check out Zach Top getting his RODEOHOUSTON belt buckle. Now THAT’S a belt buckle.
The post Nike Is Bringing Back Their ‘Nike Country’ Belt Buckles & I’m Wondering Who Actually Buys These? first appeared on Whiskey Riff.@rodeohouston @Zach Top’s buckled up and ready to go #rodeohouston #zachtop #rodeo ♬ original sound – RODEOHOUSTON
