Original Story (04/27/22): Nike ISPA continues to break the mold when it comes to its approach to footwear designs (like with 2020’s Road Warrior). This spring, ISPA (Improvise; Scavenge; Protect; Adapt) introduces the Link and Link Axis, two innovative models that explore the circular design principle of “disassembly.”
The Link and Link Axis feature modular designs, having the ability to be assembled and disassembled into components. This cuts out the need for the glue and the time-intensive gluing process during production, as well as energy-intensive processes like cooling, heating, and conveyor belt systems. This also allows the shoe to be more easily recycled. Usually when recycling shoes, shredding is required and it limits how the recycled materials can be used. With these modular designs, the energy-intensive process of shredding isn’t necessary, reducing the carbon footprint of the product and opening up new possibilities for its life cycle. This is a step towards Nike’s circular vision, creating a closed-loop system that yields no waste, to help protect the planet and the future of sport.
Three interlocking modules make up the Nike ISPA Link: the upper, midsole, and laces. The midsole is made up of pegs that fit into the openings engineered into the upper. This makes for an exceptional fit that is comfortable, stable, and breathes well, according to the 40 athletes who logged some 200 hours into the prototype.
While the Link is a bold design, the Link Axis takes this boldness to the extreme. It features a 100% recycled Flyknit upper that’s precisely engineered to fit over the outsole (compared to the traditional cut-and-sew method used for the Link). The tooling is made from 100% recycled TPU, achieved by using scrap airbag material.
The Nike ISPA Link launches this June, while the Nike ISPA Link Axis is slated for early 2023. Look for these to drop on Nike.com and at select retailers. Check out both designs below and stay tuned to Modern Notoriety for updates.
Update (06/08/22): The Nike ISPA Link launches June 22nd in the “Black and Medium Olive” and “Barley and Desert Moss” colorways on SNKRS and at select retailers. Official images below:
Nike ISPA Link
Color: Black/Medium Olive
Style Code: CN2269-003
Release Date: June 22, 2022
Price: $225 USD
Nike ISPA Link
Color: Barley/Desert Moss
Style Code: CN2269-700
Release Date: June 22, 2022
Price: $225 USD
Nike ISPA Link Axis
Release Date: Early 2023
