Sneakers are not just made for burpees and 5km races. They’re for commuters and urban explorers who dodge, duck, dive, and dive across unevenly paved sidewalks, busy intersections, and sometimes dog poop. Generally speaking, this category can be simplified with a general industry term called “lifestyle,” but Nike is focusing on what’s essential for the resourceful consumer and focusing on the mindset of today’s urban commuter. ISPA is coming, a division under the umbrella of Nike Design Exploration, which since its debut in late 2018 has pumped up some really amazing products that literally have no plans to leave anything on the cutting room floor.
While ISPA’s initial offerings leaned more toward a futuristic aesthetic, these latest offerings seem to focus a little better on its spirit of Improvise, Clean, Protect and Adapt. Some of the footwear here may not have passed the early sampling stages years ago, but aren’t we done with the “Everyman” shoe anyway? It really helps to hear first-hand news from ISPA shoe designers themselves, and luckily Nike allows you access via an immersive digital learning space on ispa.live on July 6 at 12 p.m. ET, so you don’t want to miss out. that.
