NIKE IPPEAS (HORSERIDING)

Time to take another look at one of the most controversial posts we have ever put on Sneaker Freaker. The Ippeas boots have caused a ruckus in the equine world, but for the rest of us sneaker lovers with a penchant for pure design, this is Nike doing what they do best. Now before you go and hate on this boot being put on a sneaker site, just open your minds, let all thoughts of Tier Zero Dunks float away and soak up the majesty of this evil looking black beauty. The Ippeas has no obvious commercial dimension, and we are still not even sure if they'll even make it to retail... but it's more than enough just to know that they even exist. It's hell cool and pushes buttons. Who else would put the resources into developing such a kinky machine?

And it's got a full length Zoom Air!

Nike Ippeas (Greek for “Rider”)
Sport: Equestrian

Equestrian footwear has not changed much in the last century. The sport is steeped in traditional English heritage where leather boots, wood soles, and hard-pressed leather outsoles have been standard issue for horseback riding since the 1800s. Nike designers wanted to bring new innovation to that paradigm while still respecting the institution of the sport. For Beijing, Nike’s Equestrian footwear reflects the best elements of the sport’s deep traditions, but is elevated by innovative design and unique performance features. Again, designers started with the athlete. After listening to insights and ideas from top equestrian athletes, several rounds of prototypes were produced and improved with each effort. The final creation was the Nike Ippeas, a beautiful leather and synthetic boot that provides protection, support, traction, traditional aesthetic, and horse control in a total package that also reduces weight by eliminating the need for strap-on spurs.

Nike developed many innovations for the Nike Ippeas, including rubber pads for the outsoles of the boots to improve stirrup traction, an adjustable titanium screw-in spur system (inspired by track spikes) that eliminates the need for additional hardware on the ankles, and a full-length engineered zipper for easy on-and-off. Perhaps the most revolutionary development is the most subtle: a thin, high-abrasion synthetic rubber material on the medial side of the boot that delivers improved grip on the horse and saddle, which gives the rider better communication with the animal and increased stability during demanding jumps.

Key Features
-Crafted footwear that marries innovation with the classic silhouette a riding boot
-Rubber outsole pads to improve traction on stirrups
-Asymmetrical zipper for comfortable on-and-off
-Track and field-inspired screw mount spurs (three possible positions)
-Full length Zoom Air cushioning for underfoot comfort
-High-abrasion synthetic rubber on medial boot for control and communication

NIKE IPPEAS (HORSERIDING)