These Nike sneakers low-key stole Tim Cook’s spotlight at an store reopening in Japan

Apple CEO Tim Cook

Apple CEO Tim Cook made headlines during his recent trip to Japan when he attended the reopening of an Apple store in Tokyo. While the event itself celebrated the brand’s retail presence, Cook drew attention for his footwear — a pair of custom Nike sneakers designed exclusively for him.

Image credit: Business Insider

The sneakers

Cook wore Nike Vomero Plus sneakers created by Sashiko Gals, an artisan collective from Japan affiliated with the brand Kuon. The shoes were crafted from reworked denim and featured a red, white, and blue color scheme. They incorporated the traditional Japanese stitching technique known as sashiko.

The collective, made up of about 15 women between the ages of 40 and 80, confirmed that the sneakers were specially designed for Cook. Nike also revealed that a former employee now working at Apple had requested the design.

Cook’s history with Nike

Cook’s appearance in Japan adds to his growing reputation for owning one-of-a-kind Nike shoes. He has been a member of Nike’s board of directors since 2005 and has often been seen wearing limited or custom pairs at Apple events.

Last year, he was spotted in another unique pair during the launch of new iPads. Over the years, Apple and Nike have also collaborated on products, including fitness features and Apple Watch editions.

More than sneakers

The Tokyo event highlighted Apple’s continued retail strategy in Asia, but Cook’s footwear again underscored his close ties with Nike. For sneaker enthusiasts and Apple fans alike, the sighting shows that Cook has a direct line to rare designs not available to the public.