Brand: UNDERCOVER x Nike
Model: ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 2
Release Date: July 9
Price: $300
Buy: store.undercoverism.com, select UNDERCOVER stores in Japan, nike.com/nikelab, SNKRS, Nike Harajuku, NikeLab MA5, and Dover Street Market Ginza. The blue and black colorway is releasing exclusively at UNDERCOVER stores.
What We’re Saying: Whether you actually run or not, everyone wants a piece of running gear at the moment. The boom, which largely began last year in the early stages of the pandemic, is still going strong, leaving many in search of short shorts and lightweight trainers for summer. As a leader in the running category, Nike continues to find itself at the forefront of all things active. Coming soon to fulfill all your running-related needs is a new GYAKUSOU release from Jun Takahashi and UNDERCOVER, one that spotlights the latest iteration of Nike's record-breaking runner, the ZoomX Vaporfly Next%.
UNDERCOVER took to Instagram weeks ago to tease a forthcoming colorway of the ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 2. Since then, official images of the collab have emerged, revealing not one but three colorways. From the photos, we see the lightweight racer showcased in a predominantly red look, with navy, white, and grey accents, as well as a green and burgundy pair and a blue and black rendition. A Swoosh brands each shoe on the side, while GYAKUSOU branding signals the collab over top the Swoosh and at the toe, where "Gyakusou International Running Association" resides. The breathable mixed material upper of the Next% 2 is paired with Nike's innovative ZoomX-cushioned sole unit below, coming together to deliver a feathery package that is primed and ready for race day. Here, each pair is pictured with white laces to complete the overall design.
Eliud Kipchoge famously wore a pair of the Nike Vaporfly Next% when he broke the two-hour marathon barrier in 2019. Shortly thereafter, the shoe was in danger of being banned by World Athletics because it potentially gave runners too much of an advantage. While new rules have been implemented since in regards to footwear, the Swoosh's Vaporfly Next% is safe for runners to use legally in official competition.
The successor to the ZoomX Vaporfly Next%, the ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 2 is a logical choice for the latest UNDERCOVER x Nike GYAKUSOU collab. You'll have the chance to purchase the super shoe when it releases in three new colorways alongside a matching apparel collection on July 9 through multiple outlets. The apparel portion includes a three-layer jacket, utility shorts, knit top, trail cap, and socks, crafted from performance-specific material channeling the latest Dri-FIT technology.
While you wait for the anticipated UNDERCOVER x Nike GYAKUSOU drop, here are some of the best running shoes currently available.
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