Nike Dunk Low LX Barbie

If we had to pick one shoe to explain Barbiecore to the aliens, it would most likely be this Nike Dunk Low LX Barbie. Beyond the colour scheme in shades of pink and creamy yellow, mandatory for the trend, Nike has added a big ‘N‘, completely encrusted with fake diamond stones.

The Swoosh appears in a darker tobacco brown hue with a glitter finish, as does the heel tab; an ironic star motif appears on the tongue logo and suede centre panel, while an elegant pink texture lines the sneaker’s interior. On the bottom of the Nike Dunk Low LX Barbie, a few stars have been set into the icy sole and the tongue features Nike lettering in cursive font. These Nike Dunks are not the result of a collaboration between Mattel and Nike, but rather a release that appeared with perfect timing on the part of the brand.

Nike Air Max Scorpion Barbie

The Nike Air Max Scorpion first popped up during the COVID-19 pandemic, as lifestyle trainers with the largest Air Max unit visible to date.

The latest redesign of the model sees a hot pink fit for the July 21 Barbie movie premiere. The eye-catching pair not only features shades of pink throughout the upper and sole, but also enjoys non-standard embroidery and different branding on the upper. Stars can be found on the side swooshes and sockliners, while the text ‘Nike‘ is reminiscent of the font that accompanied the impressive marketing of the Barbie film. In addition, parts of the upper opt for gradient shades in line with the charisma of the Mattel character and the Barbiecore trend.

Nike Zoom Vomero 5 Barbie

The Zoom Vomero made their triumphant return a year ago on the winning wave of retro silhouettes from the 1980s to the 2000s.

Now, the iconic running shoe from the 2000s has received an array of pink hues to add some bubblegum flavour to its silhouette. The upper has been textured as a gradient ranging from the ever-so-slight pink that covers the mesh base layer, to the dark ‘Pink Foam’ that contrasts the suede overlays on the forefoot and leather mudguard. A ‘Hot Punch‘ touch and the Swoosh with a glossy finish complete the look.

The light pink accents contrast beautifully with the vibrant pink of the Swoosh, the TPU in the midfoot and the suede overlays near the toe. Star graphics adorn the tongue and shimmering details can be found near the heel overlay. Underfoot, the foam midsole is pink and white, while the outsole is pink in colour.

Nike SB Force 58 Barbie

Last on our list is the Nike SB Force 58 Barbie. This version of the Nike SB Force 58 features a colour scheme that would fit perfectly with the movie premiere. The upper of the silhouette comes in two shades of pink: a darker one for the suede overlays, and a lighter one for the leathers underneath.

A touch of dark grey completes the package, covering not only the Swoosh and logo, but also the laces unit and lining. Completing the look is the white sole, which lends a contrasting touch to the silhouette.

Beyond the mere, perhaps passing, trend, the barbiecore has been able to de-provincialise the colour pink by addressing it to any gender, definitively stripping it of its epithet of being melancholic and “girly“, and finally, we would add.