The Nike Air Articulate II is one of the stranger entries in Bond’s wardrobe: a pair of trainers, worn at a run across Venice, in a film that was otherwise busy reinventing the suit. It is also a shoe you can no longer simply buy. This page sets out what we know about the Nike Air Articulate II and what to do if you want something close.
In the film
Daniel Craig’s Bond wears the Air Articulate II in the Venice sequence of Casino Royale (2006), during the chase. Fans have long debated the colour and the material: some suggest dark grey, others navy or black, and some argue for suede. Fast editing means you rarely see them clearly. Our Casino Royale page covers the rest of the outfits.
The details of the Nike Air Articulate II
A training shoe, not a fashion one. They were chosen to make sense for a younger Bond who needs grip while chasing someone across rooftops and canals, and they look it: low, dark and plain.
Hard to find. The shoe is discontinued, and forum posts from 2007 and 2009 describe searches that came up empty in every size. One source calls it a European model; another poster in the same archive points to a different Nike name for it, so the name itself is not settled. Treat any listing with caution.
The exact pair is uncertain. The catalogue notes that the exact colour and fabric combination is not identified. Anyone buying should expect a close match at best.
Owning it now
Nike no longer makes the Air Articulate II. It is out of production and found second-hand, so wait for a clean pair from a seller who can show the size and condition, and be wary of any listing that cannot name the colour. If you want only the look, search for dark, low-profile Nike trainers in a similar silhouette.
What it wears with. Dark trainers like these suit a navy rugby shirt and navy trousers, which is how the Venice look is often described. Keep the rest quiet: plain cotton, no logos, nothing bright.
Closer alternatives. Forum members suggested Nike’s Air Affect and Air Generate as similar shoes, though neither is the same model. They are suggestions in the spirit of the original, not the original.
Specifications
| Model | Nike Air Articulate II |
|---|---|
| Colour and material | Not confirmed; dark grey, navy or black suede are discussed |
| Status | Out of production; found second-hand |
| RRP | Not available |
Questions
What trainers does Bond wear in Casino Royale?
Daniel Craig’s Bond wears Nike Air Articulate II trainers during the Venice scene. They are shown briefly and the exact colour is debated.
Can you still buy the Nike Air Articulate II?
Not new, as far as we can tell. The shoe is out of production and found second-hand, and enthusiasts have reported difficulty finding them in any size.
What are the closest alternatives?
Forum members have suggested the Nike Air Affect, which one buyer found in dark grey suede, and the Air Generate. Neither is an exact match.
Read about the rest of the film’s clothing on our films page.
