The Nike 10^th Collection is inspired by founder Bill Bowerman’s military service, which included scaling snowy mountains in Italy for the Allied troops.

The collection features two new React silhouettes, in colorways inspired by the military uniforms of World War II.

Nike will be dropping the 10^th Collection as an homage to the military heroism of its founder Bill Bowerman. He served as a major in the US Army’s 10^th Mountain Division during World War II – clearly the inspiration for the collection’s name. During the course of the war, Bowerman and his men scaled mountains to further the Allies’ cause.

The Nike 10th Collection comprises two React-based sneakers, but with combat-ready silhouettes. These sneakers bring the function and sensibilities of a military boot to the comfort of the React midsole. To provide sufficient traction, the sneakers boast the rivet outsole seen on the React Element 55 and 87.

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The first silhouette is the React Ianga, with a military boot-inspired design. The uppers come in a rugged black fabric, with a toe cap made from tumbled black leather. As a nod to the boots of the era, there is wheat detailing around the laces, collar and heel cap. The only Nike detailing comes at the bottom of the laces, with a “The10th” tab on the lateral side of the shoe.

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The second silhouette is the React Sertu, a low cut sneaker with an interesting and complex upper. The mostly wheat upper is made from at least eight different panels of various textures and materials. The nubuck, leather and woven panels connect to the high-visibility orange laces. Similar to the Ianga, the only branding is on the toe box and “The10th” tab on the lateral side of the shoe.

The Nike 10th Collection will drop on September 6 at 10 am, on the Nike SNKRS site. The React Ianga and Sertu will retail at S$209 and S$229 respectively.

Which of the sneakers from the Nike 10th Collection do you prefer, the React Ianga or Sertu? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

All images: Nike

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