Nike SB enjoyed a solid 10-year run, producing some of the most collectible footwear models while introducing a ton of great pro models bearing the names of Eric Koston, Paul Rodriguez, Stefan Janoski, and several other prominent riders in the burgeoning skate scene. SB is undoubtedly deserving of much of the credit for blossoming the sneakerhead sub-culture of rabid collecting and hunting particularly of the Dunk, but since mid-late 2006, the overall pace of Nike SB became noticeably slower while the Action Sports-specific Nike 6.0 started to gain steam. Earlier this year, Sneaker News discussed a number of notable changes to the Nike SB and 6.0 line that were planned for 2012, with signs pointing to a merge of sorts into one overall wing of Action Sports footwear and products, and this latest development proves that these changes will arrive sooner than later.
Here we have a look at what appears to be the new sneaker box for Nike’s Action Sports footwear models; it features a tan/brown exterior, much like the Nike Sportswear boxes, with a newly designed box-tag without any signifying of ‘SB’ or ‘Skateboarding’. According to N-SB, all of the signature models that were previously under the SB and 6.0 wing will come housed in this new packaging sans SB/6.0 designation and will be distributed to chain/mall retailers for wider distribution. Additional notes from the rumor mill state that the Janoski pro-model will also shed the SB tag, while classics like the Dunk, Blazer, and new Team Edition will remain in local shops. Last year, Sneaker News reported the news of a new red/white Nike SB box that was scheduled to debut in June of 2011, but that story never unfolded (and perhaps never will). Your thoughts on the changing scope and possible end of Nike SB/6.0? Let us know your thoughts below. via spottampa