Nike has announced a June 5 release date for its highly anticipated light blue “PR” Shox R4, putting Puerto Rican culture back in the spotlight ahead of New York City’s annual Puerto Rican Day Parade.
The announcement was made in a promotional trailer featuring Puerto Rican artist Rauw Alejandro. Nike said the sneaker is “more than just a shoe,” calling it a tribute to Puerto Rican identity and the connection between the island and New York City.
“It is a representation of the Puerto Rican community and the culture that runs deep between New York City and the island,” a Nike spokesperson said. “Millions of Boricuas carry the island with them wherever they go, making wherever they land feel like home.”
What the Nike ‘PR’ Shox R4 looks like
The sneaker comes in a full “Glacier Blue” colorway, including the upper, laces and sole.
Red and white accents reference the Puerto Rican flag
The “PR” initials and star graphics wrap the Shox columns
Each pair is expected to include a vejigante mask charm inspired by Puerto Rican folklore blending African, Taíno and Spanish influences
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Nike said the flag itself serves as “a reminder that Puerto Rican pride is not defined by geography; it lives wherever Puerto Ricans do.”
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Check out Nike’s new Puerto Rican-inspired Shox R4 sneaker
Nike’s new Shox R4, inspired by Puerto Rican culture and heritage, and featuring the traditional “vejigante” mask in Puerto Rican flag colors, is set to drop June 5, 2026, ahead of the annual national Puerto Rican Day Parade to be held in New York City June 13. (PROVIDED BY NIKE)
Where to buy the Nike PR Shox R4
Nike says the sneaker will be available through select retailers, including:
NYC Puerto Rican Day Parade 2026
The 2026 Puerto Rican Day Parade will step off at 11 a.m. Sunday, June 14, along Fifth Avenue from 44th Street to 79th Street.
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Large crowds expected along the route
More information is available through the National Puerto Rican Day Parade website.
‘Bori Weekend’ pop-up in Harlem
Nike will also host a “Bori Weekend” pop-up exhibition Saturday, June 13, at La Marquesina in Harlem.The event runs from noon to 8 p.m. and will showcase Nike’s past Puerto Rico-themed sneaker releases dating back to the early 2000s.
It will also feature DJ sets from Nike Sounds by Rick Gonzalez and Bembona, along with food from Nuyorican restaurants including Cocotazo, El Rancho de Apa, Jíbaro BBQ and Wepa Coffee.
Location: 347 E. 109th St., New York, N.Y.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Nike PR Shox R4 drops June 5 ahead of NYC Puerto Rican Day Parade