The Nike EXP-X14, unveiled today, is yet another Swoosh-branded lifestyle sneaker that adopts performance features. It’s also a remake of the late-90s — early ’00s Nike Zoom Drive.
While this shoe is based on tons of Nike Running technology and nods to historic running moments in Nike’s history, it must be reiterated that this is a Nike Sportswear release and not a performance model.
The naming schema, Nike EXP-X14, breaks down like so: the EXP is short for “experiment,” which according to Nike, is how Nike Sportswear designers adapted the brand’s performance features into a lifestyle shoe; the second portion, X14, was the original codename for Nike React foam. Thus, the Nike EXP-X14 rides atop a React midsole.
Additionally, the shoe features a translucent upper with perforations that honor the Zoom Drive, a technically advanced running shoe Nike released in the late-90s. To match Nike’s new styling — which has moved from its top-tier runners like the Zoom Vaporfly 4% down to affordable running shoes like the Air Zoom Pegasus 35 — the EXP-X14 uses the familiar tapered heel and exposed TPU plate.
Finally, the last notable detail used on this latest lifestyle sneaker is printed on the medial side: “N3546.” It represents the fastest mile time (3 minutes and 54.6 seconds) of Olympic gold medalist Steve Prefontaine, who trained under Bill Bowerman (the co-founder of Nike) at the University of Oregon.
The Nike EXP-X14 will first launch in Europe via Nike SNEAKRS on June 28. It will release Stateside on July 5, as well as in Greater China, via Nike SNKRS. No pricing information has been announced.
On July 5, Eastbay.com will be stocking the women’s Nike Fast EXP Racer ($90) so expect more from this new EXP footwear line.
What do you think of the Nike EXP-X14? Let us know in the comments below.
Source: Nike / Images via Nike
Prefontaine never won an Olympic gold medal.