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One of Nike’s Best Everyday Sneakers Is Now Equal Parts Rugged and Refined

The Cordura-reinforced C1ty Premium pairs utility with polish.

Close-up of a brown suede Nike shoe with textured upper, brown midsole, black outsole, and a black tag with orange and green text.Nike

By Jack Seemer

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Despite its urban-inspired name, the C1ty Premium looks like it belongs outdoors.

Released in early 2025 as an upgraded take on last year’s C1ty shoe, the model edges on retro hiker territory, thanks to its combination of Cordura and suede for the upper.

That theme is only reinforced by the round laces and metal eyelets, not to mention its hardwearing outsole, which reimagines Nike’s iconic waffle lugs as trail-gripping teeth.

As rugged as the shoe may be, however, the latest variant proves it can pair utility with refinement.

Pair of brown suede and mesh Nike sneakers with black rubber soles and Cordura fabric tag.
A tonal upper gives the hardwearing C1ty Premium a refined look.
Nike
Pair of brown suede Nike sneakers shown from the back with rubber soles and pull tabs on a white background.
Brown on brown on brown.
Nike

The Nike C1ty Premium “Cacao Wow” sees the design adopt a slick monochromatic look that envelopes the shoes in a dark-brown colorway.

The hue even extends to the midsole and metal eyelets, with the Cordura tag on the side of the shoe proving to be the lone exception beyond the black outsole.

Close-up of a brown Nike sneaker with suede and mesh textures, brown laces, and a Cordura fabric tag.
Even the metal eyelets are brown.
Nike
Black rubber sole with circular and square traction patterns and a Nike logo in the center.
The outsole reimagines Nike’s iconic waffle lugs.
Nike

Double take

Since the C1ty came out, sneakerheads have been quick to point out its visual similarities to the General Purpose Shoe. The in-demand collaboration between Nike and Tom Sachs went on hold after the latter was accused of fostering a toxic workplace culture.

Nike has yet to cite that shoe as a specific source of inspiration for the C1ty. That said, the Nike C1ty Premium “Cacao Wow” is perhaps the most telling example yet, considering its resemblance to the brown General Purpose Shoe.

Pair of brown Nike sneakers with dark brown swoosh logos, black pull tabs, and textured soles on a white background.
The brown General Purpose Shoe came out years before this new colorway of the C1ty Premium.
Nike

In any case, the new shoe can more than hold its own wherever it roams, especially when you consider the budget-friendly price tag.

The Nike C1ty Premium “Cacao Wow” will cost just $115 when it arrives in the US in the coming weeks. Unfortunately, it’s currently only available overseas.

About the Author:

Jack Seemer is the executive editor at Gear Patrol, with over a decade of experience in product journalism. He currently reports on a wide range of topics, including footwear, watches, EDC, cookware and more.

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