It's not often that a Nike sneaker arrives with weeks of built-up anticipation after being hyped by the brand's own CEO, but that's exactly the case with the upcoming Joyride franchise.
First teased by Mark Parker during Nike's 2019 fourth quarter and full year earnings report, Joyride was officially unveiled today. Sitting alongside Air and React as the brand's key cushioning technologies, Joyride is unique in that it doesn't use pressurized gas or a foam structure, but is instead composed of thousands of TPE (thermoplastic elastomer, which Nike describes as a mix of plastic and rubber) beads.
The beads are grouped directly underfoot throughout four segments. Out of the box, each of the four "zones" are filled with bead volumes made to withstand their level of use and impact—more in the heel for shock absorption, and less in the forefoot to keep things nimble. Over time, each area forms to the wearer's foot, resulting in an individually-tuned cushioning setup. According to Nike, 150 different materials were considered and tested for the beads before ultimately deciding on TPE.
There are big plans for Joyride going forward, but it will debut in the form of the Joyride Run Flyknit (pictured) with a release to Nike members starting today followed by a global launch on Aug. 15. Forthcoming models include the Joyride NSW, Joyride NSW Setter, the Joyride NSW Optik for women, and the Joyride Kids Nova for children.
Preview a handful of Joyride Run Flyknit colorways below and expect more details on the tech and its other variations soon.
