No, These Aren't Mauris—They're Gator-Inspired Nike Boots

The Nike ACG Air Max Goadome boot is having a moment. Folks across New York City, Washington, D.C., and other urban settings across the U.S. have faithfully sworn by the model since 2000, but the Swoosh has only recently re-energized the silhouette—namely by presenting it as a Low and releasing it in fashion-forward makeovers. Co-signs by Jabari Shelton—best known across the world as both A$AP Bari or @younglord on Instagram—and other figures in Harlem and the Bronx have also helped the Nike boots regain popularity.

As part of its Paris Fashion Week® Spring/Summer 2027 showcase, the Swoosh unveiled handfuls of different product—including square-toed Air Force 1s and different flavors of the Goadome Low. Like the former, the latter range of offerings taps into aesthetics from and nostalgia for the 2000s. Carl Blakeslee's Air Max-assisted design was born at the start of this era and became the footwear style of choice amongst particular crowds in some of the aforementioned cities. Wale documented D.C.'s love for the Goadome with his "Nike Boots" song—Blakeslee even said that "[D.C.] and Baltimore were the first cities to truly embrace the Goa"—but the boots have been widely-associated with NYC—in particular Uptown and the Bronx.

Which brings us to a new development in the future of the Nike Goadome Low: (faux) croc-covered pairs reminiscent of Mauri gator shoes.

For the uninformed, Mauri is a family-guided business has been producing high-quality footwear in Italy since the 1940s. The company is most-associated with men's shoes done in exotic skins—especially alligator and crocodile. Places like Detroit have a long history with the brand (The Notorious B.I.G. even shouts out the city and its people's connection to "Pink gators" in 1997's "Hypnotize"), so much so that contemporary artists from the city (e.g. Peezy, DeJ Loaf) have stepped out in Mauris over the last handful of years. Yet, it's more likely that Nike's decision to cover upcoming Goamdome Lows in tonal scale finishes is informed by New York City's love affair with Mauri than Detroit's, Chicago's, Cleveland's, Milwaukee's, or any other place's heritage with the shoe manufacturer.

In recent history, A$AP Ferg has stepped out in Mauri boots—specifically style 8900, which sees a similar shape and layout as the Nike Goadome Low. A product of Harlem, Mr. Ferguson would have spotted the ultra-premium, exotic skin-covered footwear throughout "Hungry Ham" (Hamilton Heights), as well as on the feet of hometown heroes Dipset throughout the 2000s. Given its proximity to Harlem, Mauri gators were also popular throughout the South Bronx, sharing the spotlight with Prada America's Cup; Timberland® Premium 6-Inch Waterproof Boot and Field Boots; Air Jordans; Foamposites; and the Air Force 1.

The Knicks as 2026 NBA Champions has proven just how important NYC is to the NIKE, Inc. business—especially with franchises like Goadome, Foamposite, and AF-1—so creating product that resonates with a particular era of street fashion from cultural meccas like Harlem is important for the company.

Now, the Swoosh may tap creative forces and community leaders from Detroit and other Midwestern cities to pay their respects for cementing gator-covered boots and other footwear in urban Black style, but that's yet to be seen.

In addition to previewing the low-top Goadome boots in green and black gator-inspired makeovers, Nike showcased the silhouette in a new Foamposite-covered style. Reminiscent of the Air Max Foamdome boots of the late 2000s (unveiled with the help of Wale), the "Foam Low," as Nike designer Frank Cooke referred to it on Instagram Stories, presents a new Foamposite mold across the upper. A mid-foot shank, different toe cap, and backwards Swooshes also appear on the upcoming release.

Expected colorways include iridescent purple, glossy Green Goblin-like green, and a charcoal style.

Enjoy early shots of the unreleased Goadomes below. Pairs should release via Nike.com between February and June 2027 for around $175 each.

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