Nike’s Air Max Scorpion is one of the brand’s newest silhouettes, developed entirely during the pandemic. It’s an archetype of a contemporary, forward-thinking design ethos. An ethos that’s led to the integration of modular gaiters.

Installed as an insulator for the legs during the colder months, they’re also primarily meant to keep trekking debris from entering the shoes. Neutral and earthy tones engulf these parts giving a uniform aesthetic. They’re joined together by way of the straps looping underneath the opening on the midsoles, along with the buttons on the vamp.

Unostentatious Nike branding is imprinted on the shins, as the fabric drape over the shoes. The footwear itself doesn’t deviate from the blueprint with all its signatures a mainstay. That includes the FlyKnit upper and the oversized, full-length Air Max sole unit. Branding elements make up the finishing touches as can be found on the metallic button on the vamp, the embroidery right below it, and the light blue braille panels moving up the tongue.

The design of the titular shoes have been divisive, and so is possibly the modular jacket. But as mentioned earlier, they’re a product of an ethos where functionality reigns supreme.

There’s no word yet on when they’ll be released nor how much they will go for. But an update will definitely be in order when the powers that be give the green light.

In other Nike-related news, have a first look at the Nike Air Max Plus “White University Blue”.