Ethan Holland
Patta and Nike have been known for their successful collaborations and their ability to reimagine heritage running models. Recently, there have been rumors circulating on social media about a new project under the “Nike Air Huarache” banner.
Patta, based in Amsterdam, has a strong love for all things Air Max and has previously given lifestyle makeovers to Tinker Hatfield’s iconic Air Max silhouette from 1987. However, in recent years, the brand has shifted its focus towards promoting the Patta Running Team and encouraging their friends and followers to exercise and challenge themselves. The emphasis is on having fun rather than achieving fast finishes, an initiative led by co-founder Edson Sabajo since 2010.
Taking a closer look at the leaked images of the Patta-branded shoe, it appears to resemble Nike’s Air Huarache Trainer 94 design. The shoe features a combination of mesh and neoprene construction, with leather panels overlaid on top for added support. The medial and lateral sides are connected by vibrant pink lockdown straps, reminiscent of Hatfield’s Air Huarache designs from the 90s. One notable detail is the “By Patta” emblem replacing the traditional branding on the tongue, showcasing a red-colored “X” and a black panther graphic. The retro-inspired pull tabs at the heel add a nostalgic touch, while the midsole and outsole setup is borrowed from Nike’s Pegasus 40 running shoe, a popular daily trainer.
Interestingly, the rumored sample uses “old” tooling, which seems unusual considering Patta’s reputation for innovation. It’s possible that the shoe was part of a scrapped project originally intended for 2023.
Fans can enjoy in-hand photography of the Patta x Nike Air Huarache sample, but there is no confirmation yet on whether the shoe or a similar design will be released to the public. If it does release, it is expected to be available on the Nike SNKRS app sometime before the summer of 2024.
For those looking for confirmed sneaker news, the Air Jordan 11 “Gratitude” retro is set to release for the whole family on Saturday, December 9th. Stay tuned for more updates and announcements from Patta and Nike.
