Super shoes have become a key talking point in the running world, promising to improve performance and efficiency. These shoes are engineered to help runners go faster with less effort, thanks to innovative materials and construction. But what exactly qualifies as a “super shoe,” and how do they compare with regular running shoes? Let’s dive into what defines super shoes and how Nike’s Gyakusou Zoom Fly SP fits into this category.

Designer: Nike

Nike Gyakusou Zoom Fly SP

Super shoes are distinct from traditional running shoes due to their combination of ultra-light materials, responsive cushioning, and a carbon fiber plate embedded in the midsole. This design creates a spring-like effect, helping runners propel forward with less energy spent per stride. The foam used in these shoes is engineered for high energy return, meaning that when your foot hits the ground, the shoe gives you a lift-off sensation. For runners looking to improve their race times, super shoes offer an advantage in both efficiency and speed.

In contrast, regular running shoes prioritize comfort, support, and durability for daily training. They focus on protecting your foot from impact and offer cushioning for long-term use, but they don’t have the same energy-boosting properties as super shoes. Instead, regular shoes use denser, heavier materials that absorb shock but lack the responsive boost found in super shoes.

The Design of Super Shoes: Nike’s Gyakusou Zoom Fly SP

The main design difference in super shoes is their focus on making each step more efficient. Nike’s Gyakusou Zoom Fly SP, a collaboration with Jun Takahashi of UNDERCOVER, is a prime example of performance technology combined with creative design.

The shoe features a translucent upper that gives it a unique look and reduces weight. The upper is lightweight and breathable and provides a snug fit without the bulk of traditional materials, making it a practical part of the shoe’s performance-driven design. The reflective elements improve visibility during low-light runs, adding practicality to the design.

Nike’s Lunarlon cushioning absorbs impact while maintaining the bounce needed for long-distance running. The carbon-infused nylon plate in the midsole adds stiffness and responsiveness, providing smooth transitions from heel to toe and giving you that extra push during runs.

Nike Gyakusou Zoom Fly SP

Jun Takahashi’s influence is evident in the design and Gyakusou graphics. The shoe is built to perform well while offering a unique style for runners who appreciate function and design.

Key Elements of the Nike Gyakusou Zoom Fly SP

When I first tried the Nike Gyakusou Zoom Fly SP, I was struck by its lightweight and thoughtfully designed design. These shoes are engineered for performance and tell a story through their design. I quickly purchased both pairs before they sold out, and they’ve become a regular part of my running kit ever since.

The translucent upper gives the shoe a sleek, barely-there feel while keeping it breathable. The reflective detailing adds a practical safety feature for night runs. But the combination of Lunarlon cushioning and the carbon-infused nylon plate sets these shoes apart. With each step, the plate propels you forward, offering that extra boost when needed.

The Gyakusou graphics reflect Jun Takahashi’s vision of blending fashion and function. These shoes inspire confidence with bold design choices that work just as hard as the performance features.

Real-World Test: Nike Gyakusou Zoom Fly SP in Action

When I first saw the Nike Gyakusou Zoom Fly SP, I was instantly drawn to its unique design and lightweight feel. I immediately fell in love with them and bought them without realizing they were classified as “super shoes.”

Nike Gyakusou Zoom Fly SP

After hitting the pavement in them, it became clear these shoes perform as well as they’re designed to. The lightweight materials felt seamless, almost like an extension of my foot. The carbon-infused nylon plate made a noticeable difference, providing an extra push with each step, especially during long runs when maintaining pace can be challenging.

The Lunarlon cushioning kept my feet comfortable even over longer distances, offering the right balance of support without feeling too soft. There’s an adjustment period if you’re used to traditional trainers, but once you get used to the feel, the energy return feels like a natural part of your stride.

And you don’t need to be a competitive runner to enjoy super shoes. I travel frequently and often find myself sprinting through airports from gate to gate. In cities like Tokyo, Barcelona, and Berlin, where walking and public transit are common, the Gyakusou Zoom Fly SP has become my go-to travel companion. Beyond comfort, they’re also lightweight enough to pack as a second pair of shoes. Whether navigating crowded terminals or getting around new cities, these shoes make travel easier.

The Nike Gyakusou Zoom Fly SP is built for runners seeking performance and style. With its lightweight design, responsive plate, and carefully thought-out details, these shoes are perfect for anyone looking to elevate their running experience. Whether aiming for a faster time or wanting a unique design that performs, these shoes do the job well without compromising comfort or aesthetic appeal.

The post What Are Super Shoes? Exploring the Design and Technology Behind Nike’s Gyakusou Zoom Fly SP first appeared on Yanko Design.

Welcome to Sneakers Sunday at Yanko Design. Today, we explore the storied evolution of the Adidas Samba. Originally designed in 1950, this iconic shoe has served athletes with its functional design while also becoming a staple in global fashion and culture. The Samba’s journey from a functional soccer shoe to a fashion icon offers a fascinating look at how design can adapt to changing times while retaining its core essence.

Designer: Adi Dassler + ADIDAS

Origins and Early Design

The Samba was born out of necessity in post-war Germany, where harsh winters created challenging conditions for soccer players. Adi Dassler, the founder of Adidas, recognized the need for a shoe that could offer traction on icy surfaces. His solution was the Samba, a shoe that featured a revolutionary gum rubber sole providing superior grip and traction. This innovation set Samba apart from other athletic footwear and marked the beginning of its iconic status.

Adi Dasslers with Adidas Samba in the 1950s

Alongside its functional sole, the Samba boasted a durable leather upper with Adidas’s signature three stripes, adding structural integrity and visual appeal. This combination of practicality and style made the Samba an instant hit on and off the field. The initial design laid the foundation for a versatile shoe that could transition seamlessly from sports to fashion.

The early Samba models also included a high-top variant, which offered additional ankle support and warmth, making it particularly popular in colder climates. This version retained the classic elements of the original while providing an added layer of functionality, broadening the shoe’s appeal beyond the athletic community. The high-top Samba was especially favored by soccer players who needed extra protection during harsh weather, demonstrating Adidas’s commitment to meeting the diverse needs of its customers.

Evolution Through the Decades

As the decades passed, the Samba underwent significant transformations to keep pace with changing trends and consumer preferences. In the 1960s and 1970s, Adidas began experimenting with new materials and colorways to expand the Samba’s appeal beyond its original sports market. The introduction of softer leathers and synthetic fabrics enhanced the shoe’s comfort and durability, making it more suitable for casual wear.

This period also saw the Samba embracing a broader color palette, moving beyond the traditional black and white to include a variety of vibrant hues and patterns. These changes reflected the growing influence of fashion on athletic footwear, as consumers increasingly sought shoes that combined performance with personal style. The Samba’s ability to adapt to these shifts while retaining its core design elements cemented its status as a timeless classic.

In addition to material innovations, the Samba’s design also evolved to reflect the changing needs of its audience. The high-top version, for instance, gained popularity in urban settings, where its stylish silhouette and practical features made it a favorite among fashion-forward individuals. This adaptability helped the Samba maintain its relevance in a rapidly changing market as it continued to capture the imagination of new generations.

Cultural Impact and Global Reach

The Samba’s appeal extended far beyond the soccer field, becoming a symbol of youth and rebellion across the globe. In the 1980s, the shoe was embraced by various subcultures, from hip-hop enthusiasts to skaters, each group adding its own chapter to the Samba’s rich history. Its simple yet striking design made it a popular choice for those looking to make a statement, whether on the dance floor or the streets.

This widespread adoption across diverse cultures and continents underscored the Samba’s universal appeal. Its ability to transcend boundaries and resonate with people from all walks of life highlighted its versatility and timeless charm. The Samba maintained its identity while adapting to myriad personal styles, whether paired with jeans and a T-shirt or more formal attire.

The Adidas Samba, designed in the 1950s, has evolved through numerous editions over the past 70 years. Photo: Adidas

The Samba’s influence also extended to the music and entertainment world, where it became a fixture in popular culture. Celebrities and musicians alike were drawn to the shoe’s unique blend of functionality and fashion, further solidifying its status as an icon. The Samba’s presence in films, music videos, and on the feet of influential figures helped cement its place in the cultural zeitgeist, ensuring its continued relevance in the ever-evolving fashion world.

Recent Collaborations and Innovations

In recent years, Adidas has leveraged collaborations to keep the Samba at the forefront of the fashion industry. Partnerships with designers and fashion houses have introduced new versions of the shoe that maintain its classic elements while incorporating modern design trends and materials. These collaborations have breathed new life into the Samba, attracting a new generation of fans and reinforcing its status as a fashion icon.

Naked x adidas Samba JI3993

One notable collaboration is with Copenhagen-based fashion brand Naked, which reimagined the Samba with intricate lace details and soft, pastel overlays. This partnership highlights the sneaker’s adaptability to current fashion trends and ability to blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design elements. These limited-edition models incorporate luxurious materials and subtle design tweaks, such as co-branded tongues and custom lace tags, making each release a collectible piece.

Naked x adidas Samba JI3993

Adidas has also focused on sustainability, integrating eco-friendly materials into the Samba’s design. This commitment ensures the shoe remains popular among environmentally conscious consumers without sacrificing style or quality. By embracing sustainable practices and innovative materials, Adidas is preserving the Samba’s legacy and paving the way for future generations of this iconic shoe.

The Adidas Samba’s journey from a functional sports shoe to a cultural icon is a testament to its timeless design and enduring appeal. Its continuous adaptation and relevance in the sneaker industry testify to its lasting legacy and broad appeal. As we look to the future, the Samba will continue to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide, cementing its place in the annals of sneaker history.

The post The Enduring Legacy of the Adidas Samba: A Synthesis of Style, Sport, and Innovation first appeared on Yanko Design.

Ever since Marty McFly first showed off the idea of self-tying shoelaces in Back to the Future, the footwear industry has been trying to figure out how to turn that fantasy into a reality. As the brand that actually made the movie prop, Nike has been at the forefront of that endeavor and has, in fact, already launched a few pairs of “self-lacing” sneakers years ago. It may have been a hit back then because of its novelty, but the shoe company no longer found any reason to make new ones or to continue supporting the ones that already exist. In fact, it just announced not only the discontinuation of this unique Adapt BB line but also of its app, which will leave some owners rethinking their purchase.

Designer: Nike

“Self-lacing sneakers” are not as magical as they might sound, simply utilizing magnets and electronics to tighten or loosen the shoes. For the Adapt BB line that launched in 2019, you could do this, along with other functions, by pressing buttons on the side of the shoes or, more conveniently, using a smartphone app. That app also provided settings you can’t very well make on the shoes themselves, particularly changing the colors of the buttons’ lights or saving three preset tightness settings.

Nike, however, has discontinued its self-lacing sneakers, and on August 6th, it will also be dropping its mobile apps. Owners of Adapt BBs don’t have to panic, at least not yet, because they can still install the app until that date, and the app will stay installed on their phones even when it disappears from Google Play Store and the Apple App Store. That does mean, however, that you can no longer install or even transfer the app after that day, so if you lose your phone or change devices, you’ll be out of luck.

Fortunately, the shoes themselves will continue working even without the app, but it will mostly be a manual affair without some conveniences. You will not be able to change light colors anymore, for example, and there will only be one preset remembered. You can, however, still tighten or loosen the shoe by pressing the buttons, which require you to bend over like any ordinary shoe. It might still seem a bit advanced, but no longer as mind-blowing as the original.

The announcement, however, does bring a few concerns and questions to mind. For one, the Adapt BB will lose one of its biggest appeal: its accessibility for people who might have difficulty lacing and unlacing sneakers. It also paints a somewhat dubious future for smart wearables like these. While people are used to changing phones almost every two years and for manufacturers to drop support sooner rather than later, most of us keep our wardrobe and footwear until they’re no longer usable, and manufacturer support is rare if not unheard of.

The post Nike self-lacing sneakers are losing their app and their biggest value first appeared on Yanko Design.