Images: Nike and Ticara Devone
You've probably seen a few Nike ISPA sneakers on the SNKRS Calendar and probably weren't all the way familiar with what it's all about but don't worry I'll get you up to speed.
The Nike ISPA philosophy is Improvise. Scavange. Protect. Adapt.
Nike ISPA has steadfastly worked under its organizing philosophy: Improvise. Scavenge. Protect. Adapt. For ISPA, this means engineering groundbreaking products capable of tackling the unique and shifting challenges of the human made environment. Driven by experimentation, ISPA solves everyday problems with sophisticated solutions by creating adaptive footwear and apparel that prioritizes performance and utility.
This season ISPA will be highlighting what's came before such as the Nike React, Nike Air Zoom and Nike Dri-Fit, the Nike ISPA fall and holiday 2020 is bold, unique and ready for whatever situation you might throw its way. Let's take a look at the experience and then straight into the footwear.
THE EXPERIENCE
This past Monday, Nike provided a unique website for us to learn all about the upcoming Nike ISPA 2020 product and apparel. We had the opportunity to hear directly from the Nike ISPA Design team; Nike ISPA footwear designers Darryl Matthews and Shamees Aden and ISPA apparel designer Nur Abbas. The experience included some fun interactions such as a puzzle, which wasn't as easy as it looked, a Nike ISPA Zine, but most importantly a detailed briefing on the ISPA design philosphy and a closer look at the fall and holiday 2020 Nike ISPA products. Plus, saw a few familiar names in the chat too! Hey yall!
FOOTWEAR
THE NIKE ISPA ZOOM ROAD WARRIOR
When this sneaker came across the screen in our live session the first thing I noticed was the floating heel. I instantly saw the double stack air which reminded me of the newest release of the Zoom Double Stacked. So I was intrigued. The Nike ISPA Zoom Road Warrior takes innovation from running, basketball, training and outdoor footwear. The heel itself takes inspiration from the from early Nike Shox prototypes. Think of these in the light of the Nike Air Zoom Alphafly Next% and the Nike Zoom BB NXT. It features a knit patch upper for breathability.
Even with the tabi toe, these are meant to be comfortable and ready for whatever day brings your way. The Nike ISPA Zoom Road Warrior releases globally July 10.
Screen capture of the Nike ISPA Live and the Nike ISPA Zoom Road Warrior
THE NIKE ISPA OVERREACT FK
We have become quite familiar with the react technology. We've seen it across Nike silhouettes such as the Nike Air Max 270 React and even the Nike Air Force 1. Upon seeing these, I wasn't sure what I was looking at honestly, it just looked like a lot of sole, and that was the point. I instantly commented, "I wonder how this feels under foot."
The Nike ISPA Overreact FK is about elevated comfort. The Overreact is comprised of a series of interlocking internal geometries that gives it a unique comfort advantage. Further, both the sockliner and strobel were removed, meaning each step is taken on unadulterated Nike React foam. Sounds like these are the epitome of walking on clouds. It also features a flynit upper, similar to the Nike VaporMax 2 Random. These embody the ISPA ethos all around the board.
The Nike ISPA Overreact FK releases globally July 9.
Screen capture of the Nike ISPA Live and the Nike ISPA Overreact FK.
THE NIKE ISPA OVERREACT FK SANDAL
It also will be available in sandal form. The Nike ISPA Overreact FK Sandal shares the same DNA as the Nike ISPA Overract FK just in a more stripped down form. The upper takes heavy influence from functional improvisation achieved when stripping down a design to its bare essentials. Visible and hidden layers provide structure and a sense of protection, while allowing free airflow and lightening the shoe’s overall package.
The Nike ISPA Overreact FK Sandal releases globally July 31.
Screen capture of the Nike ISPA Live and the Nike ISPA Overreact FK Sandal.
THE NIKE ISPA FLOW 2020
Have you ever seen water drain from a shoe within the snap of your finger? Neither did I, until this popped on screen during our live. The Nike ISPA Flow 2020 adapts to the unexpected. The all-day footwear is brought to its most lightweight and breathable through a perforated outsole that allows internal intake of airflow. Think of it as walking on a subtle breeze. Wouldn't that be lovely? The shoe also features a open weave mono mesh upper as well. These are the most "cool" shoes of the bunch.
The Nike ISPA Flow 2020 releases globally August 13.
Screen capture of the Nike ISPA Live and the Nike ISPA Flow 2020
THE NIKE ISPA DRIFTER
The ISPA Drifter transforms the split-toe Tabi shoe into a lightweight, all-day performance vehicle for the built environment. Move over Margiela!
The split-toe upper sits on a lightweight supple foam compound that includes regrind Nike ZoomX foam — a key component of Nike’s fastest running shoes. An external webbing detail creates a stable lockdown fit and a unique fastening system allows for cinching from both the front and center of the eyestay.
The Nike ISPA Drifter releases globally September 1.
Screen capture of the Nike ISPA Live and the Nike ISPA Drifter
THE NIKE ISPA APPAREL FALL 2020 CAPSULE
Just like the footwear the apparel is about improvising and adapting iconic Nike designs into something new and innovative. The Fall 2020 ISPA Apparel Capsule will include the Nike ISPA Inflate Jacket which pays homage to the 2006 Nike Airvantage in a solution for shifting temperatures. It will also include the Nike ISPA Women’s Shorts, the ISPA Pant which will be a hit, the Nike ISPA L/S Dri-FIT Top and my favorite of the collection the Nike ISPA Bodysuit.
Screen capture of the Nike ISPA Live and the Nike ISPA Apparel
HOW DO WE FEEL?
This has been my first in-depth look at the work from Nike ISPA and it's quite amazing what these designers have been able to do thinking about the consumer and athlete day to day. I am interested in getting my hands on a pair of the shoes from the collection and wearing them in real life to see how they fit into a normal persons everyday lifestyle. The apparel collection looks amazing and futuristic and accompanies the shoes beautifully, no matter what silhouette you decide to go with. Overall, the ISPA 2020 collection is future-forward and worth giving a shot.
You can also learn more with ISPA Live on July 6 with their interactive digital community learning space, ISPA Live, will be accessible at www.ispa.live. password ISPA*2020!