The Nike x UNDERCOVER React Element is a whole new level
In our latest look at a Shoe of the Year candidate, we see the collaborative efforts of the Nike x UNDERCOVER React Element. 2018 is no doubt going to go down as the year that chunky footwear made its strongest case for modern appeal. This fashion and footwear trend has seen itself translated on both the sneaker stores and runway shows.
Nike’s response to this, so far, has been to release perhaps the best piece of chunky footwear design we’ve seen since this trend’s earlier years. The Nike React Element is featured here in the distinctive stylings of the legendary UNDERCOVER brand.
Founded by Jun Takahashi, this Japanese fashion house is known for its experimental approach. Their catalogs often include dalliances in punk-inspired wears.
The React Element serves as arguably the perfect shoe for this eclectic brand to work on with the Swoosh. This shoe comes with hints of both the current chunky sneaker craze and futurism. The upper’s TPU construction is see-through and lightly constructed. The shoe’s more audacious design aspect, the midsole, is cored out to make for a distinctive style.
UNDERCOVER takes on this shoe’s design with an informed yet unique take. One of the more revealing details comes to us via the branding. Located on the shoe’s lateral panels, this shows up in the style that you might expect from Off-White and other premium streetwear labels.
The colorway we see here is quite the visual feast as well. A light, Lakeside shade of Blue serves as the upper’s base color. On top of that, subtle layerings of a dark Night Maroon come via the lace eyestays as well as linings along the heel. Finally, Neon streaks along the midsole, tongue linings, and lateral Swoosh branding light things up.
It wouldn’t be a surprise to see these win Shoe of the Year, so keep your eyes open!
