New kits, new crest, new era. Nike reveal updated outfits for the men's and women's United States National Team ahead of the Copa America Centenario and 2016 Olympics in Rio.
Adorned with several patriotic flares, the new USA home and away kits for 2016 follow the same template used across Nike's line-up of National Federation Vapor Team Kits, all featuring Aeroswift technology ― impressive, to be fair. A replica revolution if you ask Nike, a controversial bag of copy-and-paste designs if you ask others ― you make your mind up on that one. Scratch beneath the surface though and the innovation is undeniable.
The USA are one of two nations, including Brazil, whose 2016 kits will be paired with new Nike Hyperstrong Match Sleeves and NikeGRIP socks in place of traditional socks. Modified to today’s game, the new sleeve incorporates additional ankle reinforcements and protection pads in high-risk areas. They will debut on-pitch March 25, when the USMNT takes on Guatemala; the USWNT will wear them for the first time April 6, when they face Colombia.
The classic white and bold black themes of the respective kits blend symbols of the country’s mounting soccer heritage with cutting-edge Nike AeroSwift technology that enables on-pitch focus by reducing distractions. The kits also feature the new United States Soccer Federation crest ― something designed by Nike in partnership with the United States Soccer Federation ― which consists of a modernized shield with “USA” in a new navy blue font, above a series of vertical red and white stripes.
The new men’s home shirt features a traditional white body and blue sleeves. On the chest, engineered knit zones create a geometric pattern that enhances fit, with smaller mesh shapes at the bottom of the graphic. The USWNT and USMNT will wear identical away kits in 2016, complete with sleek black body and contrasting patriotic arms — a red sleeve on the right and a blue sleeve on the left. The sides of the kit introduce a black stripe that runs the length of the shirt and short.
The 2016 USA home and away kits are available beginning March 22 at Nike.com and select retailers.
