The collaboration between Tom Sachs and Nike is set to make a comeback after a hiatus of nearly 18 months, prompted by serious allegations regarding Sachs’ behavior towards his staff. In a recent statement, Nike confirmed, “Tom has demonstrated and recommitted to fostering a culture of respect and inclusivity.” They expressed excitement about continuing their work together and shared that this new phase of NikeCraft is aligned with their mutual passion for teamwork and storytelling excellence, with more details expected in 2025.
The partnership, which kicked off in 2012, has spawned an impressive lineup of sneakers over the years, including the iconic 2012 Mars Yard and its various iterations, such as the 2017 Mars Yard 2.0, and the Mars Yard Overshoe released in 2018, culminating in the 2022 General Purpose Shoe. However, the collaboration faced a major setback in May 2023 following a scathing article from Curbed that exposed troubling conditions within Sachs’ studio, where harsh rules known as the “10 Bullets” dictated the environment. Reports also highlighted disturbing instances of Sachs’ behavior, including inappropriate comments and unprofessional conduct during video calls.
In light of the renewed partnership, Sachs expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to build together with the NikeCraft team. He noted that the highly anticipated Mars Yard 3.0 is nearing completion and undergoing wear-testing, promising further updates in the near future.
While the renewed collaboration may raise some eyebrows, there is notable precedent for Nike continuing partnerships with individuals facing controversy. After the tragic events of Travis Scott’s Astroworld festival in 2021, collaborations between the artist and Nike were paused until May 2022, when they released the Air Max 1 and Air Trainer 1, featuring references to his brand, “CACT.US CORP,” while also contributing to his philanthropic efforts.
As of now, an official release date for the Mars Yard 3.0 has not been established, but further information is anticipated shortly.
