Nike Footscapes Are Back From the Dead, Courtesy of sacai
There are always surprises to be had at Fashion Week. From its celebrity attendees to controversial moments, shock, awe, and amazement, there's rarely a dull moment. Sneakers, in particular, is a category that's always got something up its sleeve.
Naturally, FW23 was no exception, as sacai welcomed the Nike Footscape back into the world with open arms.
As someone that has owned a pair or two of Footscapes in their time, it's hard for me to accept that they ever truly faded into obscurity. Facing facts, however, it's safe to say that the silhouette's golden era has long come to a close – until now.
The last time that the Footscape, in its many variations, enjoyed an extended period in the spotlight was probably during the mid-2010s. During this time, the success that the silhouette enjoyed can be largely attested to its Woven and Woven Chukka iterations, which were a popular choice amongst the Tumblr crowd.
If you asked me, the shape's cult following was likely due to Health Goth and similar subcultural trends, which were enjoying mainstream attention during the period. For every pair of Y-3 Qasas you'd see, you'd see just as many Woven Footscapes.
Thanks to the cult following that has remained, even during the sneaker's quietest periods, it's endured. Sporadic drops have crept onto the market now and again; in the mainstream, however, it's an enigma.
As sacai's looks strut down the runway during its Paris Fashion Week FW23 show, all eyes were on the models' footwear, with several sporting fresh takes on the Footscape alongside an upcoming collaboration with Carhartt WIP.
Of course, each of the three colorways – blue, black, and brown – spotted bore the signature touch of sacai, refreshed with a mid-cut, double sole configuration, quilted mesh construction, and trail-inspired lacing.
