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After its initial release in Asia, Europe and Latin America, Nike’s hyped-up Element React 87 lifestyle sneaker will finally release stateside tomorrow.
The shoe, which launches in “anthracite black” and “sail light bone” — keep in mind that potential future colorways are already being leaked — uses Nike’s new proprietary React sole technology, which promises superior stride-for-stride energy return and thus comfort over the long haul. But, despite the new and interesting tech, the Element React 87s are all about the look. The translucent upper (made of plastic yarn) and exposed stitching feel derivative of the brand’s Off-White collaboration with Virgil Abloh and the more recent Nike Zoom Fly from the “Be True” collection for Pride Month.
Functionality-wise, these are lifestyle sneakers. Nike said as much themselves on the shoe’s design page, as they’ve made them a fair bit wider, looser and more cushioned than the other React-soled sneakers.
The sneakers will be available tomorrow on a variety of online and retail outlets — Nike’s SNKRS app, Mr Porter, Nordstrom and many more — and will very likely sell out very quickly. The shoes will launch at $160 a pair.
