Patta and Nike’s latest sneaker collaboration hones in on a nineties footwear staple: the Huarache.
First released back in 1991, Nike’s chunky Huarache is exemplary of the brand’s penchant for designing sneakers stripped to the bare essentials in the early nineties, to the point that the OG Huarache was even missing the archetypal Swoosh branding.
More than three decades later, though, Patta is reimagining the Nike Huarache in three popping colorways as a part of its Nike x Patta Running Team capsule, a collection that celebrates camaraderie, culture, and accomplishment within the world of running.
Patta’s Nike Air Huarache seamlessly blends the classic Huarache Plus upper with the sole of a Nike Pegasus and incorporates premium leather overlays, a mesh underlay, and a closure secured by nylon webbing.
The sneaker’s tongue acts as a canvas for the “Patta Air” graphic that houses the Patta Panther, the collaboration’s running mascot that’s weaved throughout the collection.
Away from footwear, Patta’s Nike collaboration, which drops exclusively at Patta April 26 before rolling out at Highsnobiety on May 2, also includes leggings made from lenticular three-color material, track and race suits, tops, shorts, and a running vest.
Then there’s a standout wool and leather varsity jacket that incorporates nods to Patta Running Team’s achievements and dedication, and is showcased with a campaign featuring Nike runner and two-time gold medalist, Sifan Hassan.
Patta’s Air Huarache arrives shortly after Nike dived into its own archives for inspiration. Last week the label hosted a high-profile event in Paris that saw it preview some of its upcoming releases, including an innovative take on the Pegasus.
Point is, it’s been a minute since we’ve seen Nike’s Huarache IRL, but thanks to Patta it’s back, it’s alive, and it’s most certainly kicking.
