Rei Kawakubo and her COMME des GARÇONS universe have been responsible for some of the sneaker space's most tasteful and out-of-the-box designs over the last two decades. Some of their work keeps things too simple, but the Nike Sense '96 they've prepped through the HOMME PLUS sub-label demonstrates a continued commitment to experiment.
Unveiled last summer during Paris Fashion Week, the impending project by COMME des GARÇONS HOMME PLUS blends two unheralded designs from the Swoosh's archive. First, the Air Max 96, Sergio Lozano's follow-up to the Air Max 95 (which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year). Kawakubo and team have faithfully transplanted the silhouette's upper for their Sense '96, updating it with plush leather and 'Summit White,' 'Spirit Pink,' and 'Black' finishes.
Underfoot, tooling travels ahead 26 years to the debut of the Nike ISPA Sense FlyKnit. While short-lived due to a steep $200 price tag and experimental design, the model pushed the boundaries of footwear forward. Thus, its place amongst CdG's Nike collaborations is well-earned.
Akin to other linkups between the longtime partners, co-branding is scarce and minimal on the imminent trio, only landing on the top of the tongue and insole. The wave-inspired protruding panels along the profiles indulge in a reflective coating that harkens back to the Air Max's running origins. Outsole tread seemingly takes some notes from the Zoom Spiridon's segmented, but reliable pattern.
Enjoy official photos of all three Sense'96 pairs below, with the trio's confirmed release at Dover Street Market on April 10th; A wider release on Nike.com is expected in the weeks following.
For more from the Swoosh empire, check out the Tom Sachs Mars Yard 3.0, the controversial artist's first collaboration with the brand since early 2023.
