Nike unveils jewelry-inspired medal for 2026 After Dark Tour
Nike has introduced a multifunctional race medal for its 2026 After Dark Tour, designed to be worn as jewelry rather than stored as a traditional trophy.
Nike is moving away from traditional race accolades with the introduction of a multifunctional medal for its 2026 After Dark Tour. The piece, which features a Swoosh design and a city-specific carabiner, is engineered to be worn as a necklace, bracelet, or clothing accessory after the race is over.
The development process was managed by an all-woman team, aiming to address common issues with sports memorabilia, such as weight, clasp accessibility, and comfort during movement. The team collaborated directly with manufacturing partners in Italy to streamline production and iterate on the design in real time.
This redesign reflects Nike's broader efforts to engage the women's athletics market through specialized events and merchandise. According to the brand, the transition to a jewelry-focused aesthetic was inspired by observations of how runners had repurposed previous, more experimental medal designs in their daily attire.
The After Dark Tour is scheduled for seven global cities, including London, Shanghai, and Los Angeles. In addition to the medals, Nike is offering a limited collection of earrings for participants at select locations to further align the brand with lifestyle-oriented sports gear.