Stussy’s Next Nike Collaboration Is A Controversial Running Shoe From The 1970s

Stussy’s catalog of Nike collaborations reads like a blend of hot and not, in that they both work on projects surrounding well-known Nike footwear and obscure — at least when it comes to lifestyle trends. Their recent track record reflects that pattern, having worked on all-timers like the Air Force 1 and lesser-received pairs like the Air Flight ’89. Their upcoming 2024 release with Nike skews slightly towards the latter end with the LD-1000, one of the most controversial shoes in Nike history.

The LD-1000 is a running shoe that Nike debuted in the early 1970s, and at the time it was one of the brand’s more innovative and envelope-pushing models. It debuted the flared heel where the back of the sole scoops upward at an ankle, delivering a whole new aesthetic and performance function in the running shoe category. While runners delighted in its benefits, there were long-term negative effects on the knee with improper foot-strike. Nike ended up recalling the shoes, but consumers were actually happy that Nike was looking to change things up.

Stussy’s take on their Nike LD-1000 is a straightforward application of Action Green, Black, and Fossil with an updated mesh and suede upper. Their brand logo appears on the heel, while the tongue label houses some other text that is illegible based on these early leaked photos.

Stussy also works in batches, so expect at least one more colorway of the Stussy x Nike LD-1000.

In other collaboration news, here’s an official look at the upcoming Toy Story Crocs.