Nike Blends Inspiration From Sock Racers, Aqua Socks & Frees for Customizable Gakou Flyknit

After many years of fine-tuning the Flyknit formula, Nike has revealed plans for the latest stage in the style’s evolution: the Nike Gakou Flyknit. Coming to us following the unveiling of the striking black and white spin on the Air Zoom Mariah Flyknit Racer, the Gakou Flyknit boasts the signature Flyknit upper, a suede heel, and an “injected foam sole unit” with “linear grooves” to promote flexibility. This latest take on the Flyknit line came to life using the blueprint of one particularly-impressive prototype cooked up by the Swoosh’s Special Projects design crew. Intended to be a cross between a “sock-like” sneaker — think Sock Racer and Aqua Sock — and a Nike Free-inspired model, the Gakou Flyknit represents the next direction in the popular trend’s movement.

For those interested in Nike’s latest creation, you will be allowed to customize your own model using stencils meant for at-home personalizing. You can check out some shots of the Nike Gakou Flyknit above, while the shoe itself will appear in black and white versions starting August 24 online and at select retailers.