Nike is set to redefine athletic eyewear with the introduction of the Athena and Zeus sunglasses, designed to provide athletes with a crucial mental advantage before and after competition. These innovative sunglasses are crafted to enhance focus and performance, merging cutting-edge technology with striking design.
EYEWEAR
John Hoke, Nike’s Chief Innovation Officer, shares the inspiration behind the new eyewear: “While we were initially focused on designing something for competition, the insight we heard from our athletes is the need for a mental edge or advantage, before and after competing. Their ability to get totally into the zone, to be completely focused and undistracted, is so, so critical for these athletes.”
The Nike Athena and Zeus sunglasses are engineered to meet this need, featuring futuristic designs that allow athletes to express their unique styles. These models represent a bold leap in sportswear design, pushing the boundaries of both function and aesthetics.
The Nike Athena model stands out with its asymmetric design and expressive details. The wrap-around mirroring extends from lens to temple, accentuated by Nike’s Electric Pack graphic. The frame’s lightweight construction, using screwless, ultrasonic bonds and stainless-steel temples, ensures comfort by positioning the lens away from the face, eliminating the issue of “lash crash.”
On the other hand, the Nike Zeus sunglasses present an angular and technical aesthetic. Inspired by traditional acupressure points and the concept of speed, the design features five translucent elements suspended within a handcrafted titanium frame. Close-fitting and mask-like, the Zeus model incorporates advanced ventilation with fluted perforations to improve airflow, reduce heat buildup, and direct warmth away from the eyes.
Both models are equipped with Nike Max Extreme Lens technology, offering exceptional optical clarity and reducing eye fatigue across various sports surfaces. Sustainability is also a key focus, with the Athena sunglasses made from at least 40% recycled materials by weight and the Zeus model comprising 20% recycled content.
The Nike Athena and Zeus sunglasses will be available globally on Nike’s digital platforms from July 24, promising to elevate athletic performance with style and innovation.