Nike has created a cool new Player Exclusive for Chinese tennis star Qinwen Zheng, giving the Vapor 12 a bold red-and-gold treatment inspired by her career and Chinese heritage.
Officially called the Nike Vapor 12 “Qinwen Zheng“, the shoe features a mix of University Red, Tough Red, Picante Red and Metallic Gold. The result is one of the more distinctive Vapor 12 colorways we’ve seen.
Inspired by Zheng’s rise
The design is packed with personal details. The upper features graphics referencing Zheng’s achievements and identity, including crown and medal-inspired elements, while angel wings appear on the Swoosh.
A gold phoenix hangtag completes the look, fitting the theme of “renewal” and Zheng’s rise on the WTA tour. Her name also appears on the shoe, giving the Vapor 12 a clear Player Exclusive feel.
The color scheme is particularly fitting for Zheng, combining the traditional significance of red and gold with a design that reflects her status on tour. Finally she seem to be able to get the momentum going, and has been injury free for some time now.
Vapor 12 performance
Underneath the graphics, this remains the Nike Vapor 12, built for aggressive hard-court movement.
The shoe features a heel Air Zoom unit, a supportive midfoot structure and a herringbone outsole designed to provide traction during quick changes of direction, cuts and slides.
This Qinwen Zheng edition is certainly designed to stand out, but it remains a great performance tennis shoe.
Where to buy it?
The Nike Vapor 12 “Qinwen Zheng” tennis shoes are currently available from Nike and also select retailers, for example here at Tennis Warehouse.
