The original Lava Dome was an instant hit among Nike lovers, and it saw a revival again in the 90’s with rappers of the golden era and celebrities alike donning the trainer despite its outdoor intentions. Even comedian Jerry Seinfeld wore them!

Nike seem to be giving all their big hitters the ‘Ultra’ upgrade these day, but by far the most surprising silhouette to get the ‘Ultra’ treatment so far is the Lava Dome which was released earlier this week. If you are unsuccessful in the draw the pre-authorisation will be voided and your funds released, it may take up to five working days before you see your funds available in your account again. The latest itineration of the Lava Dome thankfully retains its OG look but is given a contemporary upgrade thanks to the Ultra treatment, which gives the trainers a light EVA foam outsole for added cushioning while also reducing weight by up to 20%. For the immediate future, the next major project for the Analemma Society at Turner Farm is developing the RATO to allow use by groups for observing. Besides the direct visual viewing currently provided by the observatory's scopes, the hope is to provide children with an opportunity to control a telescope remotely. Observing from a remote location, like a classroom, they would see the dome open and rotate. The telescope would move electronically to the object they select to observe, and they would see its image form on their computer screen. Red lights on! A night of observing in the roll-top observatory is underway. The upper of this Lava Dome is still paneled, however, consisting of a suede and mesh combo in tones reminiscent of the 1981 colourways. There’s also a chunky toeguard wrapped around the front for added protection when striking the ground.The draw opens on Monday 20th December 2021 at 12:00PM (GMT) and closes on Tuesday 21st December 2021 at 12:00PM (GMT). You can enter the draw here. Arriving the same year as Nike Hiking’s outdoor orientated Nike Baltoro High and just two years after Nike ACG’S pioneering Son of Lava Dome silhouette, the revolutionary Nike ACG Superdome was a high performance outdoor boot built to handle even the most challenging of terrains. Complete with a retro sibling that featured an Air Max sole, the Nike ACG Superdome pathed the way for the subdivisions continued success, whilst its noted ‘90s colourway finds itself a pillar of influence for this latest release. Not the first time Nike has turned to its outdoor exploration roots for inspiration, similar releases include the Nike Manoa, the Nike Air Force 1 Gore-Tex and recently re-released Nike ACG Air Mowabb, all of which adhere to contemporary trends and the rising popularity of all-season, all-terrain styling.

The Nike Lava Dome remains something of a fan favourite. Preempting a time of ostentatious technologies, this low cut, rugged running shoe has caught the attention of traditionalists, heritage blokes and contemporary trainer types. Its looks betray its age — originally released in 1981, its connection to the coveted All Conditions Gear range that released almost a decade later is evident without any attached history lesson. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t have a story worth telling. The current observing program includes Friday night sessions (free to the public), special viewing events during eclipses and meteor showers, and a series of classes managed through Fairfax County’s Parktakes program. The most popular activities involve families that bring their children to experience the wonders of the sky through the four telescopes. People are invited to bring their telescopes to get help setting them up and take advantage of an open area to see the sky from horizon to horizon. The Analemma Society also supports local science activities such as judging science fairs and working with various scout groups for their Astronomy Merit Badge activities. A young visitor explores the sky from the roll-top observatory.The early 1980s ushered in a new era of technology geared towards the outdoors, as hikers shed their heavy leather boots in favor of these new, lightweight designs. Alongside Nike, brands like Adidas and New Balance were eager to try their hand at a hiking silhouette. In 1982, the Lava Dome was joined by the Magma boot and the Approach — the first-ever Nike shoe to use GORE-TEX technology. Driving popular, the Lava Dome would stay in the Nike line until the mid-1980s. While it was hardly the most glamorous of designs compared to its shiny Nike shelf mates (though downright sleek compared to nearly every other hiking offering) sharp-eyed viewers of all things early 1980s might spot it a few times, notably sci-fi mini-series and TV show V, where lead character Mike Donovan, played by Marc “Beastmaster” Singer, wore a pair to death while combating reptilian visitors. By 1999, Nike’s trail designs were in vogue (literally in Vogue when they ran a lengthy feature on the Terra Humara) and these no-nonsense performance pieces were being twinned with Maharishi trousers on bleary-eyed B-listers clumsily exiting the Met Bar. Fittingly, the shoe that spawned this entire Nike genre was reissued that year and given a slight upgrade with the addition of air and an upgraded sole pattern. That the shoe was already at drinking age by that point is remarkable — even alongside brand-new designs, Lava Dome still looked relevant. Not even the patronage of Jamie Oliver at his laddish apex could sully it.

The result of Hugh's involvement in ACG found its home at NikeLab, the brand's division for innovative products. The garments themselves were obviously of high quality, but on a macro level the project felt more like a collaboration between the ACG and Acronym than a truly homogenous mix of the two brands' identities. Hugh's ACG was dark and brooding, and was a distinct departure from the irreverent and rebellious spirit that the brand was founded upon. One thing that’s interesting to note, is that many of the original designs have aged particularly well. Shoes such as the Lava Dome and the Wildwood still look as fresh today as they did when they first launched. Colours, branding, materials, marketing… Everything was on-point.

The recent announcement of Nike’s new ACG.KMTR.07 model marks a change in direction for the ‘All Conditions’ line. In the past, the focus of the Swoosh’s ACG sub-label was the great outdoors, with each shoe engineered to withstand the whims of Mother Nature. These days our increasingly digital existence ties us to urban environments, and the conditions encountered in our day-to-day lives have changed. The new breed of city-traversing nomads will face all manner of terrains and hazards that nature never imagined. Despite the apparent shift in intention, it doesn’t look like the innovation will stop ­­– and with a technological tale as rich as ACG’s we’d be remiss not to take a look back at a few of its more memorable moments.

Olin envisioned the theme of the park to be the concept of time and location, and he shepherded the idea through a long series of public hearings. His efforts were successful and development of an observatory was included in the master plan for the park. The shoe stayed in the Nike line until 1985 until it was superseded by other Nike trail designs. Different earthy makeups were released and different materials, including Cordura, were applied during its early lifespan. By 1987, Nike had seen the potential in a booming outdoor market and began planning their All Conditions Gear line.

Re-introduced to the market in 2019 with an aesthetic that undoubtedly honours the brand’s early ‘90s origins, Nike ACG continues to inspire with their revised hiking apparel and technical accessories. Durable fabrics and multi-use stylings combine to deliver a modern take on mountaineering tradition, whilst inspiration for seasonal collections is continually sourced from many different environments, wildernesses and locales. Led by their ‘designed, tested and made on planet Earth for outdoor use’ ethos, Nike ACG is a brand that continues to honour their referential ‘All Conditions Gear’ namesake. The latest instalment in Nike SB’s ACG footwear revival, the Nike SB Dunk High Pro ‘ACG Superdome’ takes its undoubted creative influence from the OG silhouette debuted by the All Conditions Gear subdivision in the ‘90s. Finding itself neatly placed alongside the skatewear label’s recent Nike SB Dunk Low ‘ACG Terra’ and the earlier Nike SB Dunk Low ‘ACG Caldera’, this latest high-top release pays noted homage to both courtside heritage and to yet another time honoured ACG favourite. Combining odes to courtside tradition with outdoor exploration, the Nike SB Dunk High Pro ‘ACG Superdome’ receives a contemporary, 1-1 colourway revision for 2021 that leaves no stone unturned when it comes to performative function and celebrated all-terrain comfort. With its All Conditions Gear heritage and its hardwood lineage, this high collared skate shoe features a premium, two tone cupsole enhanced with a classic circular underfoot tread, whilst the premium suede overlays and the supple grey leather uppers combine for a seasonal aesthetic that remains true to its OG aesthetic. Perforations across the toebox deliver enhanced ventilation across the forefoot, whilst the integrated Zoom Air unit delivers maximum cushioning and energy return in favour of its Air Max insoled sibling. Crisp white leather Swooshes across the side walls are styled in a vintage, pebbled leather finish, whilst the pops of pastel pink across the rear heel loop and custom insoles keep the profile’s 1990’s predecessor in mind. A recessed 9 eyelet lacing system secures the padded and meshed ‘Nike SB Dunk High Pro’ branded tongue in place across the natural arch of the foot, with its blue and pink embroidered detailing styled similarly to the ACG branded tongue of the debuting 1990 Air Super Dome. It’s an exciting time for any existing ‘All Conditions Gear’ fan, and anyone unfamiliar with the line is likely to become a convert. The combination of ACG innovation with contemporary aesthetics and modern world sensibilities is sure to produce some ground-breaking new styles. We can’t wait to see what’s next!

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The new ACG.07.KMTR is the first piece of footwear to emerge from Errolson Hugh’s work with Nike – with the exception of collaborations between Nike and his own label ACRONYM. Even this early in the relationship it’s evident that the imaginative streak that characterises the line will continue. The new model utilises a unique closure system of toggles and clips, while the multi-purpose durability can be seen with the use of ripstop fabric and a gusseted tongue. contemporary outdoor settings. Launched in 1989 alongside the release of the Son of Lava Dome and Wildwood shoes, the label combines everyday comfort with a preference for a revised all-season function. Inspiration hails from the brand’s Blue Ribbon Sports heritage, but also from a passion for mountain utility, military styling and classic climbing apparel. Less destination minded and more focused on enjoying the journey, Nike ACG also remains known for their ability to connect with nature through an adaptive lens. Many of Nike ACG’s collections focus on a strive towards sustainable resourcing and are led by a goal of not only handling nature but protecting it too.