Nike has lifted the veil on the highly experimental Nike ISPA 2020 collection which has been designed with a 2020-appropriate philosophy: “Improvise. Scavenge. Protect. Adapt”. In total, four types of sneakers, a sandal and a Dri-Fit apparel collection are slated to drop over the next couple of weeks. Here’s what to expect:
Nike ISPA Overreact FK
July 9
The ISPA Overreact FK takes the comfort of Nike’s proprietary React cushion and pushes it into overdrive. To really maximize the plush feeling in the feet, the ISPA designers have removed the strobel board and sock liner, which means the soles of your feet get to meet the React foam directly.
Better yet is the fact that, in a bid to make sneakers more sustainably, the upper of the Nike ISPA Overreact FK is composed of excessed yarns. As a result, no two pairs look exactly the same. In place of laces, the sneaker comes with an easy on-off closure system which makes it easy to just slip these on.
Nike ISPA Zoom Road Warrior
July 10
The Zoom Road Warrior is an interesting one. Its overall silhouette is inspired by the Nike Air Zoom Alphafly Next%, but the rest of its design elements are scavenged from iconic features from Nike’s range of running, basketball, training and outdoor footwear. For example, at the forefoot, you get double-stacked Zoom Air units and double footplates that are said to provide as much energy return as the Nike Air Zoom BB NXT. The gravity-defying floating heel is borrowed from early Nike Shox prototypes.
Nike ISPA Overreact FK Sandal
July 31
Think of the Nike ISPA Overreact FK Sandal as the Nike ISPA Overreact FK sneaker for warmer weather. The sandal version sports the same exact midsole found on the sneaker version, but with an upper that strips everything down to the bare essentials. The various layers on the upper help to provide necessary structure and protection while allowing for free airflow.
Nike ISPA Flow 2020
August 13
The Nike ISPA Flow 2020 is inspired by “gram savers”, athletes who trim down all their equipment to the bare essentials. By studying common heat maps of the human feet, Nike designed the mono mesh upper and foam midsole to be as airy and light as possible. The end result is an everyday sneaker that is breathable and comfortable for all-day use.
Nike ISPA Drifter
September 1
The ISPA Drifter fuses Nike’s latest innovations with a Japanese heritage inspired split-toe Tabi shoe. The upper features webbing details that help provide lockdown while a unique lacing system allows for tightening of the sneaker from the center of the eye stays. Everything sits on a foam compound midsole that mixes in regrind Nike ZoomX foam.
Nike ISPA Apparel Fall 2020 Capsule
The fall apparel capsule draws inspiration from unreleased Nike samples and classic designs, to create a truly eclectic collection. But the collection doesn’t just look great, it also functions well given that Nike’s most advanced performance fabric, Dri-Fit, is used in every piece within the collection.
The ISPA pants are the perfect mix between work and track pants, providing sufficient abrasion protection and a comfortable stretch. Elements borrowed from BMX, motocross and skydiving lend the pants an edgier, punk aesthetic.
The ISPA Bodysuit and Nike ISPA Top use Dri-Fit fabric to regulate body temperature with precise ventilation to further boost breathability and comfort.
On July 6, Nike launched ISPA Live, an interactive digital community learning space. Led by Nike ISPA footwear designers Darryl Matthews and Shamees Aden and ISPA apparel designer Nur Abbas, the portal gives you unprecedented access to the inner workings of ISPA and additional details on the upcoming releases.
Which items from the Nike ISPA 2020 collection are a must-cop? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
All images: Nike
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