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An understated and versatile shoe created not as a style statement, but as a tool.
Following the Mars Yard sneaker that took inspiration from astronauts’ overshoes, American artist Tom Sachs and Nike have partnered again. This time, to create a ‘do-everything’ shoe. The NikeCraft General Purpose Shoe (GPS) represents 10 years of work. “It took a decade to make a shoe this simple, as simple as can be and no simpler. NikeCraft shuns innovation for its own sake, but embraces it as a necessity,” explains Tom Sachs. This “ordinary shoe for extraordinary people” is understated and simple but specially designed to offer comfort throughout the day and through any activities in a modern lifestyle. Instead of a fashion accessory or style statement, this shoe aims to become a daily tool that supports the user’s everyday life. The minimal design puts the focus on telling the user’s story, as the shoe becomes more beautiful with wear.
“I got involved with Nike in the beginning because we wanted to make a sculpture that everyone could wear. It’s a tool for everyday life; it’s democratic,” says Sachs. The design finds the sweet spot between distinct yet not too eye-catching. GPS features a slightly upturned toe and a three-piece molded cup sole that combines a durable rubber outsole, a soft rubber insole, and a cushioning EVA foam core. Signature donning straps and a microfiber collar also give an edge to the design, while an ultra-breathable knit is also tight enough to protect against a few raindrops. Details include a lightening-holed foam tongue with a heat-sealed edge; a NikeCraft signature woven label; and a redesigned rubber waffle outsole with an embossed logo and the U.S. patent.
Nike will launch the NikeCRaft GPS shoe on June 10th through nikecraft.com, at a price of $109.99. While the shoe will come in different colorways, the launch version has a light palette. Named Studio, it features a white upper with blue donning straps and a gum rubber midsole. Finally, the GPS shoe comes in a custom box. Photographs © Nike.
