Nike’s Most Anticipated Shoe of 2025 Could Arrive Sooner Than Expected

Let the countdown begin.

Published November 26, 2024

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More than a year since Nike suspended its partnership with Tom Sachs following reports of abusive behavior toward studio staff, the contentious artist continues to influence the shoes coming out of Beaverton.

Nike’s new C1ty sneaker informally referenced Sach’s hugely popular General Purpose Shoe from 2022, utilizing many similar components — such as, a molded cup sole, waffle bottom and microfiber ankle collar.

brown nike shoes — The C1ty isn’t a Sachs design, however, it borrows many elements from his General Purpose Shoe.

But if Sachs likely played no direct role in shaping the C1ty’s overall form, he certainly will with what could be Nike’s single most anticipated release of 2025.

That’s because Sachs and Nike are reportedly back at work, finalizing the look of the pair’s forthcoming Mars Yard 3.0 — a sequel to the minimalist Mars Yard series introduced all the way back in 2012.

tom sachs mars yard sneaker — The original Mars Yard released in 2012.

Mission to launch

A wear-test sample of the shoe, first spotted by Brendan Dunne at Complex, recently surfaced on the online marketplace Depop, suggesting the Mars Yard 3.0 is already well on its way through the design process.

The gray and black sample is devoid of a swoosh or any brand markings, with the exception of text inside the shoe that reads, “Sample Property of Nike Inc. Not for Resale.”

tweet of black nike sneaker — A tweet from Brendan Dunne of *Complex*, showing a prototype of the upcoming Mars Yard 3.0.

According to Dunne, the “colorway does not reflect what the final shoe will look like.” However, even a rough sample illustrates some key differences between the upcoming release and its predecessor, the Mars Yard 2.0 from 2017 that can retail for more than $8,000 on sites like StockX.

The most significant of those is a more burly toe cap with added reinforcement, as well as six eyelets instead of seven.

In any case, the images should be treated with a grain of salt until Nike officially unveils the shoe, which likely won’t happen until next year based off an earlier statement by the brand.

tom sachs overshoe — The Mars Yard is inspired by Sachs’s love for space travel, however, it’s not the only themed release in his back catalog. See: the Overshoe (pictured), released in 2018.

“Tom has demonstrated and recommitted to fostering a culture of respect and inclusivity,” Nike said in an official announcement. “We can confirm that our work with Tom will continue and this next chapter of NikeCraft will uphold our shared passion for team, product and storytelling excellence. More details to come in 2025.”

That said, the fact that prototypes of the Mars Yard 3.0 are already floating around may mean the shoe is closer to launch than expected.

Until then, check out some of Nike’s other upcoming releases slated for 2025, including a new installment to the longstanding Vomero series.