It Ain’t Ralph Tho: Nike’s New ‘Shoe Dog’ Mascot Looks Awfully Familiar

Source: NIKE / NIkeNike might have a new dog in the fight, but sneakerheads and fashion fans have probably seen this trick somewhere before. According to Sneaker News, the Swoosh has a new character popping up on an upcoming kids hoodie, a small terrier that has already been dubbed “Shoe Dog.” The four-legged fashion plate is standing upright with his hands tucked into his pockets while rocking Nike from head to toe, including a “Just Do It” cap, Swoosh hoodie, matching sweats and a pair of Air Force 1s. Cute? Absolutely. Familiar? Man, listen.The immediate comparison is Ralph Lauren’s Polo Bear, the ridiculously well-dressed teddy that has become almost as recognizable to Polo heads as the brand’s signature pony. The character officially arrived in 1991, but its roots go back a year earlier when Ralph Lauren and his brother Jerry received customized Steiff teddy bears dressed in clothing inspired by their personal styles. Ralph apparently liked the idea enough to bring the bear into the Ralph Lauren universe. The first official Polo Bear was a limited-edition Steiff teddy known as the “Preppy Bear.” Only 200 were made, and they reportedly sold out at Ralph Lauren’s Madison Avenue ...