Remember the Nike Space Hippie?
Last summer’s unconventional hit from the Swoosh came in a handful of silhouettes and colorways, and was in many ways the flagbearer for Nike’s “Move to Zero” sustainability campaign.
But it wasn’t a flash in the pan by any means. Nike has been championing low-impact manufacturing efforts for decades, and the initiative continues to bring to life sustainable versions of our favorite classic sneaker models.
And then sometimes it’s about bringing something brand-new to the table and breaking the mold. That’s what the Nike Cosmic Unity is all about.
Another sustainable sneaker with a space-themed name, the Cosmic Unity is the first performance model to spring from the Move to Zero program.
It’s designed to keep up with the rigors of modern basketball while encouraging a more sustainable future for the world.
“We asked ourselves a question that is guiding our process into the future: Can a product that makes the world better also make an athlete better?” said Ross Klein, Senior Creative Director for Performance Footwear at Nike.
“We wanted to create a synergy between making the world better by what we do, but also leave an impact for athletes so that they can perform at a higher level.”
Constructed from at least 25 percent recycled materials by weight, the Cosmic Unity is built atop a full-length Zoom Air Strobel unit similar to the one utilized in Kevin Durant’s signature models that removes the need for toxic glue bindings.
The laces, sockliner, upper and even the marbled Swoosh are partially made from recycled materials, while the lightweight Crater Foam midsole incorporates at least 10 percent Nike Grind recycled rubber.
And that’s just the materials. The design itself is one of the most out-of-this-world concepts we’ve seen in the Nike Basketball category.
From the aforementioned marbled Swoosh to the intricately etched designs on the midsole, tongue tags and heel counters, the Cosmic Unity feels like something you might find in an ancient temple or an alien spacecraft.
The first iteration of the Cosmic Unity to release is the ‘Green Glow,’ inspired by the bright colors of ’90s hip-hop style. The lightweight black upper contrasts strikingly with the ghostly green midsole for a color combination that’ll look fly on or off the court.
Do a little bit to help Planet Earth when the Nike Cosmic Unity ‘Green Glow’ releases in Men’s sizing at finishline.com on 2/26.
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The post Performance and circular design join forces in the Nike Cosmic Unity appeared first on The Fresh Press by Finish Line.