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A Brown Paper Bag Inspired the Design of the NIKELAB ACG 07 KMTR

05.12.17 | By
A Brown Paper Bag Inspired the Design of the NIKELAB ACG 07 KMTR

Sneaker designers have oft been quoted finding inspiration in form and function from the realms of the architectural, automotive, fashion, and nature itself. Yet it is the humble brown paper bag that helped shape the functional fit and transformation of the upcoming NIKELAB ACG 07 KMTR, an “All Conditions Gear” urban commuter sneaker that opens and closes with just a pull of an integrated draw cord.

Sharing elements with the adjustable strap NikeLab Air Sock Racer Ultra Flyknit and fold-over design of the NikeLab Free RN Motion Flyknit, the latest NikeLab creation is a collaborative effort between Nike and the technically-driven fashion brand ACRONYM, with founder Errolson Hugh putting some signature details that make these ACG models a notable standout.

The NIKELAB ACG 07 KMTR’s profile combines a closure system with a bag-like upper form designed to unfurl and close with a pull of drawstring cord, further enhanced aesthetically and functionally with a lockdown magnetic buckle that closes over the top.

The shoe sits on top of a full-rubber bottom with wet traction lugs derived from the tooling of the Nike Tallac Flyknit ACG, marrying a sleek upper with an aggressive footprint – “all-day urban [foot]wear” designed to confidently handle instances of inclement weather like “flash rains and temperature shifts”, thanks to its four-way stretch water-resistant textile upper:

This shoe is water resistant, light, flexible, easy to put on, has great traction and introduces a new aesthetic. Moreover, it reduces functional elements to bare necessity — one doesn’t need the distractions of complicated entry and lockdown systems when moving around the city. – Gerald Sullivan/Nike NSW footwear designer

The ACG.07.KMTR launches May 18 on NikeLab.com and at NikeLab retail locations.

Gregory Han is a Senior Editor at Design Milk. A Los Angeles native with a profound love and curiosity for design, hiking, tide pools, and road trips, a selection of his adventures and musings can be found at gregoryhan.com.