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Did Nike Quietly Release the Perfect Summer Sneaker?

An iconic sneaker from the 1970s resurfaces, this time with one another era-defining innovation.

White knitted sneaker with white laces and a small red logo on the tongue against a blue gradient background.Nike
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By Jack Seemer

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What goes around comes around.

Though Nike never officially discontinued Flyknit, shoes featuring the innovative sock-like upper that defined the 2010s now make up an infinitesimal percentage of the brand’s catalog.

That said, the LD-1000 Flyknit is a reminder that lasting impact comes from quality, not quantity.

black knitted low-top sneaker with gum sole and white laces on a white background.
The LD-1000 Flyknit is the latest interpretation of an iconic sneaker from the 1970s.
Nike

The shoe revisits Nike’s iconic LD-1000 sneaker, once criticized for a flared heel that “could cause pronation, knee problems, or worse,” wrote Nike founder Phil Knight in his memoir Shoe Dog.

Close-up of a white sneaker heel with textured knit upper and brown rubber outsole with square studs.
The original LD-1000 was criticized for its flared heel that caused injury among some runners.
Nike
sole of nike shoe
The shoe features Nike’s iconic Waffle outsole.
Nike

Nonetheless, the LD-1000 has become a dependable fixture in the brand’s roster of retro reissues, and few variants feel more timely than this unique interpretation with Flyknit.

White knitted low-top sneaker with gum sole and white laces on a white background.
Flyknit gives the shoe unmatched breathability compared to other iterations.
Nike
White knitted low-top sneaker with gum sole and white laces on a white background.
The shoe also drops the side Swoosh for its most streamlined look yet.
Nike

Replacing traditional leather or knit fabric, the material gives the shoe unmatched breathability for warmer weather.

Nike also dropped the side Swoosh for arguably the cleanest expression yet, making it especially well-suited to casual summer fits.

White knitted low-top sneaker with gum sole and white laces on a white background.
The shoe comes in two colorways, black or white (pictured).
Nike

Availability and pricing

The LD-1000 Flyknit is available now on Nike’s website. It comes in two colorways, white and black, and costs $115.

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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