Nike Space Hippie: sneakers born for the age of sustainability

NIKE

Experimental Footwear Collection Focused on Circularity

Nike is releasing the “Nike Space Hippie” collection, sneakers made from recycled materials including some production scraps. The process minimizes waste and significantly reduces carbon emissions. The collection launches in Summer 2020 and will be available on SNKRS and at select Nike retailers.

Text by WASEDA Kosaku (OPENERS)

Four Models in Total

Amid growing concern over climate change, Nike has taken a step forward by creating footwear with the lowest carbon footprint in its history.

Dubbed the “Nike Space Hippie” collection, these items are crafted from what Nike considers “space junk”—fine factory scraps and waste materials—revitalized with a focus on circularity.

Across the four models, every element, from material selection to production methods, has been considered for its environmental impact.

The designs are bold and experimental, true to Nike’s spirit. They embody a theme of transforming waste into beauty through innovative ideas.

“Space Hippie looks like it’s from the future,” says John Hoke, Nike’s Chief Design Officer. “It’s avant-garde and very optimistic. Space Hippie is about figuring out how to use the least amount of material, the least amount of energy and carbon, the least amount of waste, to make the most.”

Designer Noah Murphy-Rechel notes that the engineered knit uppers are made from 100% recycled materials, including plastic bottles, t-shirts, and yarn scraps.

The cushioning utilizes ZoomX foam, repurposed from scrap materials from the manufacturing of the Vaporfly 4%. This process halves the carbon emissions compared to conventional Nike foam.

The soles are constructed with “Crater Foam,” a blend of Nike’s standard foam and 15% Nike Grind rubber. Reducing the use of new materials lowers carbon emissions, while the visible speckles of Nike Grind in each midsole create unique textures and color combinations.

“In the future, we believe that products will be circular,” says Shana Han, Nike’s VP of Sustainable Innovation. “To get there, we need to think about design, use, reuse, and how we can eliminate waste in every step. That’s the foundation of circular thinking that will create best practices.”

The Space Hippie Collection 01, 02, 03, and the women’s Space Hippie Collection 04 are scheduled for release in Summer 2020 on SNKRS and at select Nike retailers.

Nike addresses global challenges with grace and elegance. Its future endeavors are keenly anticipated.

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