Nike Tennis continues to innovate for some of the game's top athletes, developing apparel, accessories, and footwear for the biggest stages. And while the performance-oriented imprint hasn't been a go-to player for design inspiration, it seems the Swoosh empire recently took the team's archives for the A.C.E., a brand-new lifestyle sneaker for women.
Far more fashionable than the marquee Vapor 12 Hypersmash, the Nike A.C.E. is firmly rooted in the past. The busy, panel-laden upper and chunky sole unit harken back to retro performance product from the 1990s and early aughts, creating an aesthetic that exists between tennis and skateboarding. Design cues from the Air Monarch series also land across the new offering, suggesting the pair's comfort has been tuned for all-day reliability.
Synthetic leather and suede come together throughout the silhouette's top-half, allowing for experimental color-blockings. Reserved 'Pale Ivory' and 'White' tones have appeared on inaugural looks, but follow-up styles will surely include mismatched panels and other bold finishes. A plush fabric lines the collar and tongue's underside, bringing a soft sensation to the foot. Nearby, two-tone branded labels seemingly nod to Nike Tennis' court-inspired emblem. Underfoot, the lifestyle-oriented sneaker features herringbone-patterned traction underneath the forefoot and mid-foot, delivering grip that's been tried-and-proven by numerous athletes in the past.
Enjoy official photos of the silhouette's debut color schemes below. Pairs have already begun to pop up across Asia, suggesting a stateside Nike.com launch is imminent. Expect the A.C.E. to retail for under $110.
For more Women's-exclusive sneaker news, check out the Adidas Stan Smith Low Ballet.
