Nike and Converse Celebrate USA Pride Month

Nike and Converse are preparing to celebrate USA Pride month with an all new range of footwear to make any pride marcher stand out from the crowd.

Nike led the way last year with its #BeTrue line and this time round has not only more shoe options but also t-shirt designs and hats.

This year’s line also features the first #BeTrue basketball shoe. That shouldn’t be a big surprise, given both Jason Collins and Brittney Griner are Nike spokespeople.

Part of the proceeds of the #BeTrue line will go to fund the LGBT Sports Coalition. Nike and the Coalition will host the fourth annual LGBT Sports Summit in Portland next week.

“Nike is deeply committed to diversity, inclusion and unleashing the potential of all athletes,” said Tim Hershey, Vice President of Global Merchandising for Nike and Executive Advisor to Nike’s LGBT Employee Network.

“We’re rallying the world to embrace #BETRUE as a call-to-action for all athletes to be their most authentic selves in June and all year long.”

The Nike-owned brand Converse, released its “Proud To Be” line, which features three new rainbow-themed designs for their signature Chuck Taylor All-Stars.

Two designs pay homage to New York and San Francisco, both of which are cities with historic ties to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights movement.

The line also includes two T-shirts with LGBT-friendly slogans

Christine Su, Director of Communications for Converse, told The Huffington Post in an email that the company was “honored to join the LGBT movement.”

“Any crusade that hits the streets as loud and passionate as this one definitely needs sneakers to fit the occasion. We happily abide,” she said, adding,

“Each step we take brings us closer to universal tolerance and equality.”

Both Nike and Converse products will be available online as well as at various Pride festivals and Nike stores across America.

Last Updated on Jun 6, 2015