driven by experimentation, NIKE ISPA is a bold approach to functional design

launched in november 2018, NIKE ISPA is NIKE’s most radical, cutting-edge division, seeking to rethink sneakers and sportswear while improving athlete’s interaction with the built environment. for NIKE, ISPA is a philosophy, a set of design principles that through observation and experimental expression aim to solve problems. deriving from the words improvise, scavenge, protect, and adapt, the experimental division has unveiled its 2020 collection of functional, versatile and adaptable footwear and apparel informed by what it means to be human, prioritizing performance and utility.

the NIKE ISPA 2020 collection consists of five different sneakers and an apparel capsule collection featuring the inflate jacket, shorts and a body suit. ‘driven by experimentation, ISPA solves everyday problems with sophisticated solutions by creating adaptive footwear and apparel that prioritizes performance and utility,’ comments the sportswear giant. for this avant-garde collection, NIKE has infused bold silhouettes with functional design, resulting in street-smart style that’s fully equipped to conquer unique playing fields in new ways.

the most radical design on the collection might be the NIKE ISPA zoom road warrior, a shoe that takes the most purposeful innovation from running, basketball, training and outdoor footwear. ‘the open floating heel borrows from early NIKE shox prototypes, but shifts from the boing boing effect of the pillars to incorporate double stack zoom pods and double under foot plates,’ reads the product description. ‘in those elements, the shoe references the pioneering design of the two-hour-marathon-breaking NIKE air zoom alphafly next% and the energy return of the NIKE air zoom bb nxt.’ this one will be released globally july 10.

the NIKE ISPA overreact FK and NIKE ISPA overreact FK sandal have been created with a simple but great premise: how to make shoes more comfortable. the problem was met with a sophisticated combination of solutions from nike’s innovation toolbox. it features NIKE’s react technology, offering soft cushioning, energy return and durability. the shoe’s upper maximizes NIKE’s flyknit by using a mix of excess yarns with an easy-on, easy-off closure system that typifies the general attitude of the design — a giant hug for the foot. the NIKE ISPA overreact FK releases globally july 9 and the NIKE ISPA overreact FK sandal on july 31.

the NIKE IPSA flow emphasizes on the openings on the soles, which have been perforated to allow air passage. they were inspired by extreme sports athletes who like to customize their own sneakers depending on their needs. this gone foes on sale on august 13.

the NIKE ISPA drifter has been inspired by traditional japanese work boots. the design transforms the split-toe tabs shoe into a lightweight, all day performance vehicle for the built environment. ‘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.’ available on september 1.

in addition to the shoes, there’s also a series of garments highlighting under-the-radar experiments from NIKE’s past and classic shorts, while granting ample attention to NIKE’s most advanced performance fabric, the NIKE dri-FIT. the collection also includes the NIKE IPSA inflate jacket, the NIKE ISPA bodysuit and the NIKE ISPA L/S dri-FIT top.