Nike has finally unveiled the React Vapor Street Flyknit, a new React-equipped $180 casual wear sneaker.
The new streetwear sneaker is informed by Nike’s work in performance; in 2017, Nike launched its Breaking2 in an attempt to break the two-hour marathon barrier. With it, the brand debuted the Vaporfly 4% and Vaporfly Elite. Now, the React Vapor Street Flyknit, which Nike is abbreviating to the Vapor Street, draws from those performance models.
The design of the new sneaker is very similar to the Nike Vaporfly Elite but the two are not exactly alike. In order to bring a new level of comfort, geared towards more casual and all-day wear, Nike has implemented React into the Nike Vapor Street.
React is the main difference that separates the Vapor Street from the Vaporfly Elite and Vaporfly 4%, which both featured Zoom X, and also differentiates the new shoe from the Nike Zoom Fly, which featured Lunarlon (even though the name states Zoom, we know).
“In running, cushioning and comfort are the most important benefits,” said Geng Luo, Nike Sport Research Lab Senior Researcher, Biomechanics, in a statement. “The need for protection and comfort also applies to a more casual shoe like the React Vapor Street Flyknit.”
Nike has carried over the same Flyknit upper from the Nike Vaporfly Elite to the Nike Vapor Street. Another cue taken from the Vaporfly Elite is the huge exaggerated Swoosh, which can be seen extending from the upper to the midsole.
The Nike Vapor Street is set to release this Friday, February 23, in two colorways, via Nike SNKRS. Retail is set at $180 and both colorways are pictured below.
What are your thoughts on the Nike Vapor Street? Are you any bit confused with all of the similarities between many of the runners mentioned above?
Source: Nike
Its nice, but 180 for reused tooling? Really, Nike?