Nike ACG SS19

     Starting in 1989 as an offshoot of Nike's hiking division, the All Conditions Gear (ACG) line has been one of the brand's staples. Featuring highly technical, innovative, and outdoors-ready shoes and gear, the ACG line is a favorite for true Nike fans. 2014 saw a big revival for the line, when former ACRONYM designer Errolson Hugh revived ACG, but the keys have since been handed over to James Arizumi, whose claim to fame was the design of the "What The Dunk' Nike SBs. In an interview with Highsnobiety, Arizumi said, "We’re trying to reposition ACG for where we want it to go and where the future of it is, which is literally bringing kids from the city out to the mountains, enjoying nature, and exploring and really being free."

     This vision is executed perfectly with this season's offering, headlined by the iconic Wildwood and a brand new sneaker, the ACG React Terra Gobe. The Gobe (named after the Gobi Desert, much like the Mowabb and the Terra Humara) marks a new wave that retains elements of the ACG of the past. The tooling modifies the bouncy ride of the Nike Odyssey React for all-conditions traction by adding durable rubber lugs on the heel and toe, as well as a saw-toothed sticky rubber forefoot pad for increased traction on the trail. The upper, built from a four-way stretch ripstop material, is water resistant and, thanks to an extended upper heel pull and finger loop on the tongue, easy to get on and off. A real rubber toe guard adds abrasion protection and durability. The speckled midsole pays homage to an ACG classic: 1991’s Mowabb, which was the first shoe to bare this embellishment. 

     The Nike ACG collection also includes a range of colorful, playful tees, shorts, hoodies, and caps. All products will be available on the webstore at midnight, and in-store tomorrow morning, April 20. As Arizumi takes ACG into a new era, he's also bringing it back to its roots: getting outside, moving around, and looking fresh doing it.