Improvise. Scavenge. Protect. Adapt. These four pillars are the foundations of Nike’s ISPA project, the progressive outlet for the Swoosh to experiment with innovation and design. Such an approach has led to the production of strikingly unconventional silhouettes, with February seeing the drop of the ISPA “Mindbody” — a chunky, post-apocalyptic model that follows in the large footsteps of the Links and Flyknits.

But it seems like Nike is readying its next ISPA Universal model for the summer beaches and trims its usual bulk into easy-to-wear sandals. These foam-based sandals have a similar streamlined cut to running shoes, just sans the laces. Per ISPA’s experimental design thought, the slip-ons are carved with geographical grooves and rock-like ridges on its sole. A window on the toe box allows and added perforations allow for greater breathability. For its insoles, the sandal utilises a cork-like texture — an environmentally-friendly choice that also delivers optimal arch support.

In terms of aesthetics, two colorways are readied for this release. The first is a universal foam white while the other utilises the same neutral white base, but looks as if it had stepped into soil. A rich brown clings onto the dented ridges of the sandal, lending the design a roughened look that is signature to other shoes in the ISPA catalog.

All in all, these sandals embody ISPA’s commitment to creating resourceful and functional silhouettes modeled after the built environment, just made simpler and accessible. No official release dates have been announced, but we expect more news to arrive when the seasons turn warmer.

In other Nike news, the AJ2 arrives in a versatile “Cool Grey”.