After pausing its relationship with Tom Sachs and stopping all planned releases of Tom Sachs x Nike products in May 2023, Nike has reportedly resumed its partnership with the artist. Brendan Dunne of Complex has also reported that the Mars Yard 3.0, initially scheduled to be released in 2023, will finally drop in 2025.
In a statement to Complex, Nike stated, “Tom has demonstrated and recommitted to fostering a culture of respect and inclusivity,” Nike said in a statement. “We can confirm that our work with Tom will continue, and this next chapter of NikeCraft will uphold our shared passion for team, product, and storytelling excellence. More details to come in 2025.”
Sachs also stated this news, telling Complex, “I’m honored that we will continue to build together as a NikeCraft team and community,” it reads. “The Mars Yard 3.0 is in its final stage of development and is currently being wear-tested. I’m excited to share more soon.”
Tom Sachs and Nike’s relationship goes back to 2012 when he released the original Mars Yard sneaker, and since then, the relationship flourished. The duo released a 2.0 version of the Mars Yard, the Overshoe version of the Mars Yard, and created the General Purpose Shoe (GPS), with the latter coming in multiple colorways. Releases from Tom Sachs x Nike came to a halt when a report from Curbed alleged that the artist had created a hostile work environment and toxic culture in his studio. Sachs denied the accusations, and at first, Nike was “in contact with Tom and his studio seeking to better understand this situation and how these issues are being addressed.”
Following this, Nike told Complex in May 2023, “We are not working with Tom’s studio at this time and have no release dates planned.” Even still, months later, official images of a new General Purpose sneaker loaded to Nike’s image server, indicating a drop was imminent. However, Nike swiftly removed it, reiterating that no releases had been planned.
This news of Tom Sachs and Nike working together again comes after significant changes at The Swoosh. Nike’s CEO John Donahoe is stepping down in October, with Nike veteran Elliot Hill replacing him. Frank Cooke, who worked with Jordan Brand’s NRG team in the 2010s, is also returning to the company.
With Nike looking to reinvigorate its innovative spirit and energy to the brand, bringing back Tom Sachs sneakers seems perfect. Previous Tom Sach’s General Purpose releases would sell out almost instantly and garner premiums on the aftermarket, which has been lacking from recent Nike releases.
The Tom Sachs x Nike Mars Yard 3.0 is set to release in 2025. It will be available at Tom Sachs, Nike, SNKRS, and select retailers worldwide, in-store and online. Coming in men's sizing, retail is set at $275. Download the Sole Retriever mobile app for more updates on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
Images via Nike
Tom Sachs x NikeCraft Mars Yard 3.0
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Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. Concerts, music, trying new restaurants, and catching the latest movies are some of the things I enjoy when not writing for Sole Retriever. Email: nick@soleretriever.com
