Our Vapormax 2020 styling guide presents a few ways to wear Nike’s most sustainably made sneaker to date.

The Nike Vapormax is not the average sneaker. It was first introduced in 2016 as part of Nike’s exercise in reduction—to create kicks that abandoned midsole foams entirely. It shocked the sneaker community with its fully transparent midsole, a design that truly embodied the catchphrase “walking on air”.

Several iterations later, we get the Nike Air Vapormax 2020 FK (stands for “Flyknit”), a model that builds upon that original, cutting-edge design while adapting to the very pressing concerns around sustainability and accessibility.

A sneaker for the earth, and all

A sneaker that was once driven by the idea of reduction, the Vapormax 2020 is now looking to reduce its own carbon footprint. In the same vein as Nike’s sustainable Space Hippie collection, the Vapormax 2020 is made with at least 50% recycled materials by weight.

The sustainable updates come as part of Nike’s Move To Zero initiative, which sees the sportswear giant committing to a zero-carbon and zero-waste future. Through circular production methods and material innovations, Nike is turning its production waste into raw materials, which go back into the making of sneakers like the Vapormax 2020. 

Vapormax 2020: Move To Zero stats:
• Made with at least 50% recycled materials by weight
• Ortholite insole is made of 50% recycled content
• Air midsole is 75% recycled plastic
• Flyknit yarn use in the upper is woven out of 67% post-industrial waste
• Heel and toe clips are made of 60% recycled TPU

The sneaker was also made with differently abled users in mind. This is done by incorporating Nike’s Flyease lacing system which makes putting the sneakers on and taking them off a cinch. Slip them on and pull the heel cord to tighten or pull the tongue till you hear a click and kick the shoe off.

Bold, new design

The Vapormax 2020 FK comes in a bold and bright design. Its heel and toe clips are made of 60% recycled TPU which has been melted to create a marbled, swirling affect that accent the Flyknit upper. That coupled with its see-through, chunky sole makes it an eye-catching shoe. And here’s where our Nike Vapormax 2020 styling guide comes in to present three outfit inspirations that are easy to replicate, featuring an assortment of gear from Nike and other brands that we love. 

Look 1: Rugged Techwear

Build this outfit:
Black sportswear t-shirt from Nike
ACG gilet vest from Nike
Nike Vapormax 2020 “Triple Black”
Cargo shorts from Future Made Studio

Look 2: Athletic Casual

Build this outfit:
Tottenham Hotspur 2020/21 football shirt from Nike
Nike Vapormax 2020 “Iron Grey”
Pleated Trousers from Weekday.com

Look 3: Retro Future

Build this outfit:
Green cargos from Nike
Black beanie from Nike
White Windrunner from Nike
Nike Vapormax 2020 “Iron Grey”
Thrifted tee from Loopgarms
Armbands from Visual Jargon on Instagram