Nike Advance Their Clog Game With the ISPA Universal
News of this release was first published on January 20, 2023.
Update April 19, 2023: Nike have announced a release date for the distinctive ISPA Universal. They’ve also explained that the design draws from the Air Max 270, Zoom Type and Solarsoft HTM – the latter of which is most obviously expressed by way of the Universal’s sandal format. The shoes also come with two pairs of cork-based insoles to extend their useful life. The ISPA Universal will be available via SNKRS on April 25.
Clogcore, the – whatever else the industry is calling it – ain’t over. are throwing their hat in the ring once more with the Universal, which sits in their experimental department. Looking more like fossil than footwear, this crazy design seemingly holds many of the Swoosh’s latest innovations in a somewhat lo-fi package.
Heads who have been in the game for a long time will see a loose passing resemblance between the ISPA Universal and the old Solarsoft Sandal. Of course, this new model looks much more primitive with its craggy surface and foam insoles. Ironically, the moulding technology and foam compound are cutting-edge and probably more ecologically minded as well.
The bone-coloured pair is fairly straightforward, but the second brown-stained pair shows off the complex textures up top. In fact, it looks like a freshly excavated ancient bone, which again plays into the whole fossil thing.
Expect to see the Nike ISPA Universal arrive in the coming months.