Nike's Space Hippie Collection Repurposes Scrap Material From Factory Floors

Nike has a plethora of performance innovations set to debut at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, but it’s making a sustainable lifestyle product push as well, a big piece of which is the new Space Hippie collection. A quartet of simply-monikered models — Space Hippie 1, Space Hippie 2, Space Hippie 3 and Space Hippie 4 — the Space Hippie footwear is constructed of scrap materials from factory floors. Due to this sustainable production method, it also boasts Nike’s lowest carbon footprint score yet.

Debuting in wolf grey with orange and powder blue or grey accents, at least 85% of each Space Hippie shoe is constructed from a special Flyknit variation dubbed rPoly. This eco-friendly material is made from recycled plastic bottles plus T-shirt and yarn scraps, making for a Flyknit look and feel with a rough-hewn aesthetic.

Midsoles on all four models are constructed from a new Crater Foam that uses 15% Nike Grind rubber — hence the abstract flecks of color, a unique look that could very well become a big footwear trend in 2020. This is combined with fully recycled ZoomX foam scraps, making for a lightweight, responsive feel that sacrifices no performance to achieve its renewable composition.

Both the Space Hippie 1 and women’s-exclusive Space Hippie 4 call upon a low silhouette and feature traditional laces. The Space Hippie 2 proffers a 5/8 collar and a laceless, sock-like construction, while the high-cut, high-tech Space Hippie 3 opts for a Flyease fit system, with a throat pull tab reminiscent of 2018’s Air Jordan 33. A smattering of special details like sizeable pull tabs, abstract eyestays and Nike Sportswear-style sunburst logos are spread throughout the offerings, making for unique looks that live up to the whimsical Space Hippie name.

The Nike Space Hippie 1, 2 and 3 will all be available on Nike SNKRS later this spring, while the Space Hippie 4 will debut later this summer. Retail prices have yet to be announced.

For more upcoming Nike footwear, take a look at the expansive collection set to release around NBA All-Star Weekend in Chicago.