Official Images of the sacai x Nike Vaporwaffle "Dark Iris"

Chitose Abe‘s sacai and Nike are gearing up to release a third batch of Vaporwaffle colorways after drops in November and December, and one member of this third batch is the “Dark Iris.” Featuring a boisterous mixture of purple and burnt orange, the “Dark Iris” has been teased since last fall — but now, with the arrival of a full set of official images, its release appears to be imminent.

Apart from the new color scheme, the “Dark Iris” differs from its predecessors in another major way: its material composition. Where previous Vaporwaffles used a mixture of mesh and suede on the upper, the “Dark Iris” swaps out the mesh for a smooth nylon build to further its retro Nike Sportswear inspiration. This nylon is dressed in a medium purple shade, while the eponymous iris tone arrives on the suede mudguard and eyestays plus the leather heel clip.

As is par for the course, there’s a wealth of doubled-up detailing to be had as well. Purple and white nylon tongues with unique branding stack under purple and white laces. Quarter panels are covered by a duo of Swooshes, namely a burnt orange leather iteration atop a low-slung screen printed purple variation that drops down onto the midsole. The midsole itself is made mostly of white foam, but also features a slab of sail foam at the heel under its turned-up “lip.” Purple screen printed details under the eyestays, orange leather heel tabs with purple co-branded details and black outsoles round off the look.

The sacai x Nike Vaporwaffle “Dark Iris” has yet to receive a formal release date, but, as mentioned above, the presence of official images indicates that it’ll hit Nike SNKRS in the coming weeks.

Elsewhere in the world of footwear, it appears as if Stüssy may be bringing back its OG Air Huarache LE collaboration.