Drake has never shied away from strange, original, and out-of-the-box endeavors, especially when it comes to his sneakers. After presenting the Nocta x Nike Swim Fin in March, Champagne Papi introduces the Nocta x Nike Glide Black, arguably one of the most unusual and unexpected sneakers of the year.
Some may see it as just another sneaker. However, if you are a fan of old-school silhouettes, you will immediately notice references to the Nike Zoom Flight 95. Originally designed by Eric Avar in 1995, it was a basketball shoe with a unique look even back then. It was characterized by its futuristic design, inspired by insect eyes, and Nike Zoom Air technology that provides cushioning and responsiveness. It was a sneaker crafted with premium materials like leather and mesh, presented in a classic black and white colorway with brown details. The Nike Zoom Flight 95 is an iconic shoe that blends retro style with high performance. In the case of the Glide, Drake has almost copied and pasted the design in its entirety but with some personal modifications.
Unlike the original Zoom Flight 95 with a suede upper, the version by the Canadian artist features a mesh structure for breathability. Drake, however, retained the carbon fiber look panel and the massive midsole, known as the “Bug Eye” for its insect-eye-like shape. He also added an extra element: a fourth “eye” at the back of the heel, adding a touch of asymmetry to the shoe.
Other details borrowed from the ZF95 include the heel pull tab and the swoosh on the sides. The artist personalized the shoe with the Nike logo on the eyelets and glossy Nocta badges on the tongues.
The Nocta x Nike Glide Black is a unique model, and Drake knows it well. It is indeed a clear reference to the Zoom Flight 95, but with added elements that give a fresh and futuristic impression. The release is expected in July, and the sneaker will be available at Nocta store, Nike, and select retailers worldwide for around 160 euros. In the meantime, it can already be found on specialized resell sites like StockX.
Article originally sourced from AllinReplica UK.
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