In addition to the return of the '90s Air Revaderchi model, Nike's new ACG output includes brand new offerings such as the Ruckel Ridge.
Designed by the duo of Tinker Hatfield and Aaron Cooper, the ACG Ruckel Ridge combines the rugged silhouette of a boot with the tech-laden approach of a sneaker. It was inspired partly by Cooper's infatuation with touring bikes and is intended to be as versatile on the street as it is the trails.
A major area of emphasis was the Ruckel Ridge's outsole, which takes cues from another unlikely source: the hoof of a mountain goat. "One of the reasons they can trek hundreds of miles is the soft inner sole of their hoof—and one of the reasons they can walk across vertical rock is because of the hard perimeter of their hoof," Cooper said.
This concept led to the Ruckel Ridge's multi-density sole, which wraps a soft sticky rubber core (orange) with running shoe rubber (blue) and features what's described as "cleat" rubber on the outer layer (black).
There's also what's described as a "Dynamic Debris Guard," which uses a Foamposite-like material to protect the feet without compromising responsiveness.
Up top, a Flyknit collar works in tandem with a speed lacing setup to keep the foot in place. "The lacing is simple and does create a secure closure, but what you don’t realize at first glance is it connects directly with a 'quad-axial' woven material to create a containment system for your feet," Cooper said.
The Ruckel Ridge arrives as part of the brand's spring/summer ACG line on Friday, June 1 for $180 from SNKRS and select Nike retailers.
Nike ACG Ruckel Ridge
Release Date: 06/01/2018
Color: Gunsmoke/Atmosphere Grey
Style #: AQ9333-001
Price: $180
