Is Nike’s New Kitten Heel Sneaker a Stroke of Genius?

The demand for low profile sneakers has brought together everyone from the everyday shoe wearer to the most dedicated sneaker collectors. In response, footwear brands have been rushing to release the best creations, giving us a wide variety of designs, from the New Balance 204L to the adidas Taekwondo. Nike's already got a strong line up with the retro Superfly and the Astra Ultra, but now the iconic footwear brand is throwing another contender into the ring.

Nike is taking a surprising step with the upcoming Nike Shox Z. This trainer brings together classic Shox technology and a design that takes cues from kitten heels. It sounds like a contradiction, using the chunky Shox system for a slim soled trainer, but that’s exactly what the Shox Z delivers. By the way, if you’re keen to get your hands on a pair, make sure you download The Sole Supplier app to stay updated on all the latest trainer drops and more.

The kitten heel inspiration is what makes this unusual combination work. The back of the heel sweeps up, letting a subtle cushioning system sit neatly beneath the toes. You can clearly see the wavy lines of the Nike Shox TL influenced this model, but older designs like the Shox NZ also played a part in its creation.

The upper features a breathable mesh. Wave like ridges along the sides give the shoe texture, and stitch free overlays around the toe and laces provide subtle structure. But the real attention grabber is the heel. Nike’s familiar dual Shox columns return, but this time they're paired with a lifted heel design that nods to classic women’s footwear. You'll also spot small functional details: the padded tongue includes a pull tab for easy on and off, a moulded heel counter keeps your foot steady, and the outsole grips well on various surfaces.

We've observed this trend for some time now with other trainers that blend formal and casual elements, and the success of the New Balance 1906L highlights this. We expect a similar reception for the Shox Z. While the 1906L had its critics, its widespread acceptance shows that consumers are much more willing to embrace radical, mashup designs.

The Nike Shox Z drops on 2nd October, and you can expect it to retail for £135. Smash that bell icon for your best chance at snagging these for retail.