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Nike releases iPhone cases for sneakerheads

These iPhone cases by Nike are made out of iconic sneaker soles -- and they look damn good.

Patrick Holland Managing Editor
Patrick Holland has been a phone reviewer for CNET since 2016. He is a former theater director who occasionally makes short films. Patrick has an eye for photography and a passion for everything mobile. He is a colorful raconteur who will guide you through the ever-changing, fast-paced world of phones, especially the iPhone and iOS. He used to co-host CNET's I'm So Obsessed podcast and interviewed guests like Jeff Goldblum, Alfre Woodard, Stephen Merchant, Sam Jay, Edgar Wright and Roy Wood Jr.
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Nike now sells iPhone 7 cases whose designs are based on iconic sneaker soles.

Nike

Nike released a series of iPhone 7 cases made out of sneaker soles, complete with the treads. Each is based on an iconic sneaker's outsole, are made out of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), and are purported to be capable of protecting your iPhone 7 from most drops and scratches.

There are two outsole iPhone cases: the Nike Air Force 1 case and the Nike Roshe case. The Air Force 1 case is available only in blue and is defined by the same unique deep ridges found on the tread of the actual sneaker.

The Roshe case comes in crimson and mint green (Nike calls it "Green Glow"). The Roshe case has the same famous waffle pattern found on Nike's running shoes. No word if the cases will be available in other colors in the future.

Both cases retail for $35 and are available only in the US (sorry).

Nike is known for its sneakers, such as the classic Air Jordans. But the shoe company also takes a lot of pride in what's on the bottom of its swoosh-adorned footwear. The treads can be viewed as both a symbol of technology (Lunarlon) and works of art. So in some ways, it makes sense that the company would try to leverage its engineering and design efforts into something you don't actually wear on your feet.

CNET editor and resident sneakerhead Brian Tong didn't immediately respond to a request for comment on whether he's already bought a case.