Since the Nike iSPA (Improvise, Scavenge, Protect, and Adapt) program’s debut in 2018, they have been behind some of the brand’s most outrageous looking footwear that somehow just works. Their unique brand of utilitarian design can either comes across as highly refined and futuristic or a chaotic mess when, in fact, both statements are true as was further proven by the brand’s latest collection unveiled today. Five new sneaker models were unveiled today: the Nike iSPA Road Warrior (July 10th, $500 USD), Flow 2020 (August 13th, $180), OverReact (July 9th, $180 USD), OverReact Sandal (July 31st, $160), and Drifter (September 1st, Price TBA). A matching apparel line will release internationally in Fall 2020.
The Road Warrior is the head of the pack here, not only in price but in the build as well. Its upper is composed of a recycled knit material and reinforced with rubber paneling and an adjustable buckle securing system. The shoe is built in a Japanese tabi construction meaning the toebox is separated into two separate cavities – one for your big toe and another larger pocket for the other four. The deer-hoof mimicking construction is most commonly seen on traditional Japanese sandals and Maison Margiela runway boots. Holding up the shoe’s futuristic upper is an exaggerated Nike Shox midsole with exposed, double-stacked Zoom Air units throughout. The outsole is outfitted in a multicolored waffle tread that extends upwards into the midsole.
The OverReact is an updated version of previous iSPA React models and is donned in a similar upper to the Road Warrior, constructed out of a recycled knit and equipped with a buckle-lacing system. The shoe comes in both black/volt and white/volt colorways, each with their own oversized, uniquely ridged REACT foam midsoles. The OverReact Sandal features the same general construction but is lighter due to its exposed sandal construction, which, surprisingly, does feature shoelaces. The OverReact Sandal will drop in both black and brown colorways.
The Flow 2020 is a racing shoe from an alien world. The shoe is built to be as lightweight as possible while still maintaining the structure and stability of a racing shoe. The sneaker’s design is informed by “gram shaver” culture, in which athletes try to shave off as much material as possible from their equipment in order to be unincumbered during their sport. The upper of the Flow 2020 is made up of an upcycled, breathable mesh highlighted by exposed air vents on the side paneling providing further air circulation, hence the name. A REACT foam midsole and rope lacing system completes the look. The Flow 2020 arrives in black/purple/yellow as well as white/volt/black colorways.
Finally, there’s the boot-like Drifter model. Bookending the release schedule of this collection, the Nike iSPA Drifter also features a tabi-toe but in a far more laidback construction. The upper is made out of ripstop material and features exposed stitching and taped seams. The shoe features a rope lace-locking system and sits atop an oversized foam midsole partially made up of recycled, ground ZoomX foam and a waffle outsole. The Drifter will arrive in both black and white colorways.
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All photos by Nike.
