Nike X Seamus – Authenticity on a larger scale

Collaborations are common in the golf industry. Still, today’s announcement that Seamus Golf has teamed up with Nike to create the Nike Golf X Seamus Air Zoom Victory Tour golf shoe is one of the more interesting collaborations to cross this desk in some time.

Known for its finely crafted woolen headcovers and unique hand-forged golf accessories, the affable founders of Seamus Golf, Megan and Akbar Christie have built a loyal following in the golf community. The hands-on founders have stayed true to their brand ethos from day one, taking care to handcraft each offering with style and function top of mind. Juxtapose the small, family-run operation with the globally recognized athletic brand, and it’s easy to see how this offering makes sense for both parties. For Seamus Golf, Nike’s worldwide reach is an attractive incentive for any potential partner, while Seamus Golf breathes some fresh air into Nike’s now apparel only golf segment.

With headquarters separated by less than five miles in Beaverton, OR, it may seem like it was inevitable for Seamus Golf and Nike to work on a project at some point. But like a fine wine, the opportunity must be ripe enough to harvest. “We built our reputation by creating unique, made to order products of impeccable style and quality,” said Akbar Chisti, founder of Seamus Golf. “When you see the originality and character of our products in person, it elevates the ‘Wow’ factor to another level. This shoe is no exception. We’re humbled to have inspired this one of a kind golf shoe.”

While small in comparison to Nike, the multinational purveyor of athletic goods, Seamus Golf boasts something most behemoths do not — authenticity. But what exactly is authenticity? In marketing parlance, it’s a company’s connection to truth, that the things said and done by a brand are actually true. Something that can be hard to come by these days. At Seamus Golf, the founders not only don’t sit far from the creative and the production process, they’re part of it, boasting truth with every stitch.

But what of the collaboration in question? It was with both excitement and a touch of trepidation that I consumed the visuals of this shared creation. I was worried that the Seamus we’ve come to know and love would be somehow reduced. My concerns, however, were unfounded, as I’m pleased to report that the final product is a lesson in how a collaboration can benefit both parties, no matter the difference in the size of their markets.

The sole of the shoe features requisite Pacific Northwest design queues, while beneath, the hybrid outsole adds a six-spike design provides ample grip. Up top, an urban, outdoorsy style reflects a playful mix of materials and patterns we’ve come to expect from Seamus Golf. The Nike Golf X Seamus features a bison brown leather base with a woodland camouflage waxed canvas upper and tongue (with the Seamus Golf SG Flag debossed on a leather Nike shield) and is lined with Pendleton® Tucson Black wool. Comfort is enhanced by a foam sock liner, a Zoom Air unit, and Nike’s React technology to ensure a smooth ride all the way around.

In honor of the Nike collaboration, Seamus Golf is releasing a coordinating collection, including the original golf bag that inspired the shoe collaboration. Visit http://seamusgolf.com/solstice to see the full collection.

Retailing for $200, this limited edition shoe will be available for sale starting Thursday, December 12, at 7 a.m. PST at www.seamusgolf.com and nike.com.

About SEAMUS Golf

SEAMUS Golf is a craft maker of fine goods for the enthusiast golfer, including its signature golf headcovers hand cut and sewn in Oregon, USA using premium wool from Scotland. Featured in some of the finest golf shops in the U.S., including Bandon Dunes, Pebble Beach, and Harbor Town. SEAMUS is named after the family Irish Terrier and was founded in 2011 by married couple Megan and Akbar Chisti.