Tom Sachs Announces Release for His Blockbuster Nike Mars Yard 3.0
Tom Sachs‘ third Nike Mars Yard sneaker has been the subject of speculation and anticipation for nearly as long as its been since the Mars Yard 2.0 released in 2017. The sneaker appeared to be lost for the roughly year-long period in which Nike cut ties with the artist over troubling workplace allegations, but after announcing their reunion last fall Sachs has now followed up with the revelation that countless sneakerheads have been waiting for.
The Tom Sachs x Nike Mars Yard 3.0 will release in September, and Sachs’ Instagram caption saying, “Action will be required” suggests some sort of activity will be required to purchase the sneaker similar to the New York City obstacle course from 2017. In addition to revealing the release month, the artist also broke down the shoe’s new features to a high degree of detail.
A carbon fiber plate within the React midsole is the most technical of all the Mars Yard 3.0’s elements. Rather than appearing as its own panel, the Swoosh has been screen-printed directly onto the open mesh polyester. A new black TPU toecap comes in at 90 on the durometer scale of 0 to 100, as does the translucent TPU heel clip. In a men’s size 9, each shoe will weigh just 465 grams, which is roughly twice the weight of most supershoes and lighter than a lot of basketball shoes you’ll come across.
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The Mars Yard 2.0 was one of the most significant sneakers released in the 2010s, and resale prices that have gone up as high as $10,000 also make it one of the most valuable. In 2021, both the promotional cycle and the development cycle for the successor began simultaneously with Sachs inviting select members of the public to participate in a wear test for what was dubbed the Mars Yard 2.5.
2022 then brought Sachs’ General Purpose Shoe, which was intended to be both “boring” and easily accessible — to the point of going on sale at Kohl’s — and got three total colorways by 2023. Then, of course, came the bombshell report on Sachs’ New York City studio and the abuse/harassment his employees were allegedly subjected to.
Sachs eventually apologized while denying some of the allegations. Nike said at the time, “We are not working with Tom’s studio at this time and have no release dates planned,” — and that then changed with the announced return to their partnership last September.
About the Author:
Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.
