Why Nike’s Space Hippie collection is its most sustainable yet
In the latest innovative move from Nike, the brand will be transforming scrap material from factory floors into your next pair of runners.
Nike is a brand known for its cutting-edge ideas and it has proved this once again at yesterday's Nike 2020 Forum. With increasing pressure on the fashion industry to move towards sustainability, Nike has now revealed a new line of sneakers that boast the label's lowest carbon footprint score yet.
Release date: Rumoured to be autumn 2020
Price: Unknown
Where to buy: Nike SNKRS site
The new collection will see the launch of four different shoe models, with every detail of the silhouettes made in consideration of their environmental impact. Arriving in light grey colourways with orange and powder blue accents, each version is simply titled Space Hippie 1, 2, 3 and 4.
At least 85% of each model has been constructed from a special Flyknit variation, dubbed rPoly. The eco-friendly material is made from clothing and yarn scraps, as well as recycled plastic bottles, giving each shoe a rough-textured aesthetic.
The midsoles have meanwhile been created from a new Crater Foam, which is made up of 15% Nike Grind rubber and a blend of standard Nike foams. The reduction in virgin materials helps to lower the overall carbon footprint of the sneaker, while the Nike Grind granules lend the styles abstract flecks of colour to create unique designs.
The Space Hippies also feature ZoomX cushioning, made entirely from foam scraps. The end result is a lightweight, responsive feel made from a renewable composition that uses about half the CO2 emissions as typical Nike foams.
Space Hippie 1
Space Hippie 4
Both the Space Hippie 1 and the women's-exclusive Space Hippie 4 will come in low silhouettes with standard lace-up designs.
The Space Hippie 2 will meanwhile come in a snug, sock-like collared design devoid of laces, while the Space Hippie 3 will arrive in a Flyease fit system.
Space Hippie 2
Space Hippie 3
The Nike Space Hippie 1, 2 and 3 are all slated for release on the Nike SNKRS site come springtime in the US. That means we should be seeing them arrive somewhere between March and May here in Australia.
The Space Hippie 4 is meanwhile rumoured to be dropping around mid-year. Retail prices are yet to be announced.
For more Nike updates, release dates and current offers, you can check out our Nike hub.
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Images: Supplied
