Naomi Osaka’s “asymmetrical” Nike shoes feature contrasting Japanese-inspired colorways

Naomi Osaka has always done things her own way. And now at this year’s Roland Garros, she’ll be stepping on court in a completely unique style—thanks to a purposely “mismatched” shoe designed by Nike.

The Japanese player has recently unveiled her new Zoom GP Challenge 1 shoes, which besides being stuffed with Air Zoom units and side-to-side stability, feature an asymmetrical design that is “quintessential Naomi Osaka.”

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Her right shoe—which represents the “strength, power and good luck” of a mythical dragon—features a bright crimson red colorway, while her left shoe—which evokes the “calming aura” of Osaka’s favorite flowers—comes in a contrasting royal blue.

Both shoes include details done in a sashiko-inspired style, referencing the Japanese style of hand stitching, with said flowers and dragons etched out in metallic gold. The result is a pair of shoes that, despite being two opposite colors, make sense together against the background of black soles, heels, shoelaces and upper details.

Also a nod to her Japanese heritage and fashion aesthetic, the sashiko is the common thread (see what we did there?) that links her Roland Garros on-court shoes to her latest off-court capsule collection with Nike.

“Athlete. Mother. Creator. Designed for all those who make every moment their moment, the latest collection from Naomi Osaka marks a new chapter in her creative journey,” reads a social media post from Nike revealing the new apparel.

"The pieces offer a simple sophistication that allows all of you to shine through, at all times."

The collection puts a refined spin on sportswear staples, featuring tees, mock-neck tanks, maxi skirts, shorts, and a cool tri-colored cardigan—all in a soothing palette of the neutral hues black, white and natural hemp, a muted contrast to the red and blue tennis shoes.

But much like the shoes, the latest Nike x Naomi Osaka collection is also packed with discoverable details, like branded trims and the player’s signature “lucky cat” logo, bridging the gap between sport, luxury and functionality.

“Oh you killed this 🔥” wrote fellow WTA player Amanda Anisimova in the comment section of a post showing off the pieces and accompanying campaign, which was shared to Instagram on Monday, while rapper Cordae, Osaka’s longtime partner and father of their 11-month-old daughter Shai, simply wrote: “F L Y”

Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, will return to Roland Garros for the first time since 2022 after giving birth last year. An unseeded player this time around, Osaka will face Italy's Lucia Bronzetti in the first round, and could meet world No. 1 Iga Swiatek in the second round should both players advance.

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