Nike 2020 Innovations Launch Recap - Amazing Skateboarding Jerseys, Controversial Running Shoes & Non-Template Football Kits

On Wednesday, February 5 2020, Nike showcased its biggest innovations of 2020, ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. It was the biggest launch by Nike since more than four years, when Nike presented its most innovative products for the 2016 Rio Olympics. We take a look at the biggest Nike 2020 Innovations, including four futuristic looking running shoes, awesome skateboarding jerseys as well as non-template, nevertheless cutting-edge Nike soccer kits (finally).

Nike 2020 Innovations

The Nike 2020 Innovations were made in advance of and for the Tokyo 2020 Games. The new footwear is designed to provide runners with a measurable performance benefit for a new era of competition. The NEXT% platform, introduced by barrier-breaking marathoner Eliud Kipchoge, will now expand into new disciplines following its unparalleled success in distance running.

Along the innovative footwear products, Nike also released progressive new collections featuring sustainable materials for all athletes. "Nike’s sustainable innovations signal the brand’s commitment to helping protect the future of the planet – and, consequently, the future of sport". Highlights include thiet most sustainably designed medal stand uniform in Team USA history, footwear built predominantly from recycled waste and lifestyle apparel that embraces the goal of a zero-carbon future.

“At Nike, we see sport’s greatest stage as our biggest opportunity to show the world what’s possible,” said NIKE, Inc. President and CEO John Donahoe. “After all, what’s at stake isn’t just records, but the future of sport itself. In Tokyo, we’ll help the world’s best reach new levels of performance with our revolutionary platform, while sharing real solutions for the barriers all athletes face under rapidly changing climate conditions.”

Nike Football 2020 Kits: Art + Science:

With the Football 2020 Kits, Nike says goodbye to standard templates, collars and boring patterns.

Nike Air Zoom Mercurial:

The Nike Air Zoom Mercurial, "a concept football boot", is Nike's first-ever soccer cleat with a Nike Flyprint upper. Flyprint is Nike’s first 3D-printed textile upper.

Nike Air Zoom Viperfly:

The Nike Air Zoom Viperfly is designed specifically for the 100 meter, the truest test of pure human speed. The spike incorporates an innovative new carbon plate — produced by a new process, Custom Fiber Placement (CFP), which allows for varying flexibility within the plate — and an unmistakable forefoot Nike Air Zoom unit.

Nike Air Zoom Victory:

The Nike Air Zoom Victory is designed for 800 meter to 10k races. The shoe is a complete paradigm shift in distance track spike design. Inspired by the Nike Alphafly NEXT%, the spike is built with a combination of Nike ZoomX foam, carbon fiber plate and Nike Air Zoom.

Nike Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT%:

Call it the ultimate test run: when Eliud Kipchoge broke the two-hour marathon barrier in Vienna this past October, he was wearing a prototype of the Nike Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT%. In Summer 2020, Nike’s newest race-day shoe makes its official debut with two new Nike Air Zoom pods, additional foam, an updated carbon fiber plate and an ultra-breathable upper – all adding up to improved cushioning and running economy.

Nike Air Zoom BB NXT:

Nike Basketball's new Air Zoom BB NXT is engineered to be as light and responsive as possible. With a new Nike Air Zoom pod system, exposed Nike React foam and a thin plate positioned above the foam, the shoe provides athletes with lightweight strength, optimized impact protection and outstanding energy return.

Nike SB Skateboarding Kits + Other Federation Uniforms:

For skateboarding’s debut on this summer’s global stage, Nike SB will introduce kits on the forefront of sustainable design. Athletes representing Team USA, France and Brazil will compete in uniforms designed with 100% recycled polyester, pattern efficiency for minimal waste and bright, bold styling (crafted in collaboration with Dutch artist Parra) to celebrate each nation’s unique sport culture.

Space Hippie:

In addition to product developed for athletes participating in the Tokyo 2020 Games, Nike will launch this spring an exploratory footwear collection that redefines what’s possible with sustainable product design. Space Hippie is constructed by transforming scrap material from factory floors – what Nike’s design teams have called “space junk” – into a radical expression of circular design. Every detail of the Space Hippie capsule collection, from material choices to methods of make to packaging, was chosen with consideration for its environmental impact, adding up to Nike’s lowest carbon footprint footwear.

Team USA Medal Stand Collection:

This summer, Team USA will prove the power of sustainability during medal ceremonies. In Tokyo, U.S. medalists will take the podium in iconic Windrunner jackets reengineered with 100% recycled polyester, pants featuring 100% recycled nylon and recycled-rubber Nike Grind trim and the Nike Air VaporMax 2020, constructed with recycled manufacturing material and precision-knit uppers for minimal waste.

All the products showcased at the Nike 2020 Innovations summit will go on sale in Spring 2020.

What do you think of Nike's innovations for 2020? Which product do you like most? Share your thoughts in the comments below.