Will This New Nike Silhouette Dethrone the PUMA Speedcats as the Ultimate Low Profile Trainer?

Nike’s been expanding its lifestyle trainer offerings. Just a few weeks after dropping the Ava Rover, the brand surprises us again with another lifestyle trainer that brings a familiar profile to the table, echoing the currently popular PUMA Speedcat with its low stance, undulating upper, and slender sole unit.

The Astra Ultra will be a new women's exclusive model arriving right on cue this autumn. Other labels have enjoyed success with popular lifestyle silhouettes; think Bad Bunny's adidas Ballerina collaboration. With the Astra Ultra's debut, Nike clearly intends to capture a similar audience and tackle any past criticisms about lacking fresh ideas.

Let's begin from the ground up. The outsole divides into two distinct sections. Up front, the forefoot features an oval shaped tread, which puts us in mind of classic turf shoes. Moving back, an exaggerated, cupped heel section introduces a traditional herringbone pattern. By the way, for all the latest updates on highly anticipated trainer releases, make sure you download The Sole Supplier app.

For the upper, Nike employs matte synthetic materials, shaping them into a series of refined, curved lines. This quilting effect takes its cue from a 90s football classic, the Nike Liberto. We also notice the slanted tongue and eyelets, which bring a touch of individuality to the design; they certainly remind us of the Total 90 III. Branding remains understated; a Swoosh sits on the lateral side of the forefoot, practically disappearing into the "Triple Black" finish.

After years of Nike leaning heavily on models like the Dunk and Air Force 1, the Astra Ultra represents a refreshing departure. The current Elliot Hill leadership declared a focus on new models, and we're seeing Nike deliver on that promise with this release.

Nike has not yet announced an official launch date for the Astra Ultra, but we expect the trainer to hit the market around 31st October. You can anticipate a price point of approximately £85, and it will be available to purchase directly from Nike's webstore. If you want your best chance at snagging these for retail, you have to click the 'Notify me' button above.