HTM is back! We can't remember the last official Nike release under this heavy-hitter acronym, but given the impeccable credentials of the key players (Tinker Hatfield, Mark Smith, Hiroshi Fujiwara and Nike CEO Mark Parker), you know this is definitely going to be worth the price of admission. Previous HTM releases have veered from premium Air Force 1s in over-sized boxes to Court Forces, wovens and the Macropus amongst other classics. Given the recent cosmic switch to plimsolls and lo-fi vulcafieds, we were certainly intrigued as to the new HTM direction - our money was on modernity - a woven chukka flywire packin' anti-vulc free boot made from ground-up space shuttle dust was our prediction. As it turned out, we weren't entirely wrong - the new HTM2 is a fairly radical looking bootie with more than a whiff of '90s deja vu about it. Rubber toe caps, slip-on fit, elastic gussets... throw in a novel stencilled Swoosh and you have one of the most futuristic designs to roll out of Portland in a good minute.
Whatever your point of view, and this one won't be hard to hate, it's definitely radical enough to inspire water cooler convos, which we see as a definite plus. On the downside, the limited distribution makes it tough to cop a pair! We've seen various snippets of things this year from all brands and remain hopeful that we might just be seeing the first glimpses of a 'new wave' of ambitious product coming through.... but the questions remains, is the timing right and will kids go for it?
The Nike HTM2 Run Boot is available exclusively in Japan and at 21 Mercer on Feb. 20th and March 1st.
FROM THE PRESS RELEASE
Sometimes crossing the train platform can be as challenging as hiking Mt. Hood. Drawing on this insight, design super-group Hiroshi Fujiwara, Tinker Hatfield, Mark Parker and Mark Smith set out to revolutionize the traditional ankle boot for both style and performance. The process led them deep into Nike's chest of running innovations and onto the track for some serious testing. After a year-and-a-half of rigorous testing, the result is the Nike HTM2 Run Boot.
Addressing the need for stability, flexibility and weatherproofing, the HTM2 incorporates Nike Free natural-motion technology combined with a lightweight, water-repellant, four-way-flexible upper. Details like the elastic gusset and pull straps nod to traditional Chelsea boot styling while notching up the functionality of the HTM2-slip it on, and it stays in place.
Form has been given no less consideration than function. The HTM2 Run Boot High's slim top and low-profile grey colorway with volt/anthracite highlights allow for effortless pairing. The HTM2 Run Boot Low comes in four colorways: in black-on-black, neutral grey/white, black/white, dark obsidian/vivid pink and white. The design also enhances the easy-on, easy-off concept further. Both features a protective rubberized toe cap for durability and a spray-stenciled swoosh.
The HTM2 builds on the collaboration between Fujiwara, Hatfield and Parker that began in 2002 with the HTM Woven Boot. The second "M" of the HTM2 moniker stands for Jordan Brand Creative Director Mark Smith, who was invited to join the inner circle and bring to the table his expertise in crafting finely-detailed, premium footwear. Smith is known for his pioneering use of laser technology on Nike shoes, which has gained his designs a loyal following among sneaker aficionados. Hiroshi Fujiwara is the founder of Fragment Design and is a global sportswear icon. Tinker Hatfield is recognized as one of the most innovative designers in the history of footwear. Mark Parker's visionary leadership, while a member of Nike's design team, earned him his current position as Nike CEO.
Put these four men in a room and something special is bound to happen. It's this devotion to experimentation and the belief that there is always a way to improve on the past that caught the attention of Nike's Innovation Kitchen during the Run Boot's development. They are a hard bunch to please. The fit, comfort and performance provided by the HTM2 Run Boot put it in a class of its own.
Born on the track, bred for the street. The Nike HTM2 Run Boot is available exclusively in Japan and at 21 Mercer on Feb. 20th and March 1st.
About Nike Sportswear
Nike Sportswear is a product line rooted in the company's passion for sport while at the same time remixing and improving iconic designs with new technologies. With almost four decades of sport history at its foundation, Nike Sportswear seeks to channel the genuine rebel spirit of Nike's roots by crafting product that challenges the expected, asking designers to push athletic innovation to its extreme, remixing iconic designs with new technologies and making the best product for today's needs. Nike Sportswear launched on 8.8.08 with eight iconic Nike products celebrating the legacy of Nike design. It includes: Air Force 1, Windrunner, AW 77 Hoodie, Nike Dunk, Air Max 90, Eugene Track Jacket, Cortez and Nike Sportswear Tee. For more information, visit www.nikesportswear.com.
About NIKE, Inc.
NIKE, Inc. based near Beaverton, Oregon, is the world's leading designer, marketer and distributor of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories for a wide variety of sports and fitness activities. Wholly-owned Nike subsidiaries include Cole Haan, which designs, markets and distributes luxury shoes, handbags, accessories and coats; Converse Inc., which designs, markets and distributes athletic footwear, apparel and accessories; Hurley International LLC, which designs, markets and distributes action sports and youth lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories; and Umbro Ltd., a leading United Kingdom-based global football (soccer) brand. For more information, visit www.nikebiz.com.
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