V2K Run

New trends

In the early 2020s, retro styles were a popular clothing trend, with many people prioritising comfort and functionality. This extended to footwear as shoes from the 90s and 2000s became common fashion items. Y2K-era running shoes were a particular favourite; their supportive features making them great for everyday wear and their bold designs giving them a distinctive aesthetic. While some brands chose simply to revamp or reissue heritage models, Nike took them as inspiration for novel designs like the P-6000. In 2023, this led to the release of the Nike V2K Run: a new silhouette which was steadfastly of its time but looked as if it belonged in a millennial footwear catalogue.

Retro inspirations, modern designs

Throughout the late 2010s, Nike experimented with a range of Y2K-inspired lifestyle sneakers. Beginning with the lesser-known Initiator before moving on to the hugely popular Zoom Vomero 5 and the P-6000, the brand perfected the art of designing apparently retro models that were actually contemporary ones. Built like running shoes but intended for casual use, they were known for being incredibly comfortable and stylistically versatile. The Vomero 5 was particularly well-liked, and it was this shoe that had the strongest influence on the V2K Run. 

A changing name

In January 2023, pop culture website Complex revealed news of an upcoming release from Nike. Taking on the trends of the time, it was due to be a ‘dad shoe’, as these retro designs were known, called the Runtekk. Over the next few months, various online sneaker magazines spoke about the silhouette, always referring to it by this name. However, as its summertime release drew near, a new name emerged. It combined the “V” from Vomero and the “2K” from Y2K with the word “Run” to indicate its primary inspirations and the sporting heritage of its forebears.

A stylish upper

When the Nike V2K Run was launched, sneaker enthusiasts quickly picked up on its similarities to the Vomero 5, with its TPU sidewall panels bearing a particularly close resemblance to the cage-like overlays on the flanks of that earlier model. As well as contributing to the V2K’s distinctive look, these had a strengthening effect on its structure, improving lockdown where it connected to the lacing system via textile loops. The silhouette also incorporated a layer of mesh and arcing leather overlays that replicated the sporting look and breathable build of classic Y2K running shoes. This layered construction was also surprisingly durable thanks to the quality of the materials and elements like the toe cap and the structured heel counter. Plush padding on the collar and the mesh-covered tongue added comfort to the design, while a convenient pull tab facilitated easy on and off. Completing the upper was a Nike swoosh on each flank, the floating logos placed atop the sidewall caging for a bold aesthetic.

A powerful and supportive sole

Underfoot, the V2K Run was equally practical in its design and similarly bold in its appearance, with a large sole unit that delivered comfort and stability. Cushlon foam was used throughout most of the midsole, making it soft and bouncy to walk on, while a sloping wedge of firmer cushioning was placed below the heel to support and elevate the foot for a standout look. It was also shaped in such a way as to encourage a smooth heel-to-toe transition, and above it was a thin TPU heel clip that bolstered the back of the shoe even further. While this exaggerated midsole provided supreme comfort and support, the hard-wearing rubber outsole offered excellent grip and flexibility. This last attribute was produced by the deep grooves cut horizontally and vertically through the underside of the sole, which allowed the foot to make more natural movements. Lastly, across the centre of the midfoot was a sturdy shank that delivered yet more structural support to stabilise the foot.

Going viral

With its practical, comforting-giving features and on-trend retro appeal, the Nike V2K Run was an instant success when it came out in the summer of 2023. It showed up all over social media, especially on TikTok, where it became part of the viral styling hack known as “wrong shoe theory”. The term was coined by fashion influencers who used it to describe the method of completing an outfit with an unexpected piece of footwear to create a stylish contrast within the overall look. Classic lifestyle sneakers were often chosen, and Nike’s contemporary, Y2K-inspired silhouettes like the V2K Run were also a common sight, helping it to gain a strong following around the world. 

A celebrity favourite

By the following summer, when the shoe’s lightweight, breathable design saw it make a solid return to the mainstream, the Nike V2K Run was seen as a must-have sneaker, especially after it appeared on the feet of various celebrities and fashion influencers. In April, it was picked up by American model Kaia Gerber, and later in the summer actresses Jennifer Lawrence and Dakota Johnson were both pictured wearing it, as was media personality Kendall Jenner. Interestingly, each one of them sported a white colourway with shiny metallic elements, and it was this that became the most sought-after style as the brand brought out several neutral colourways in fan-favourite Nike tones. As the winter of 2024 approached, Nike added a GORE-TEX edition to the lineup, its rugged features and waterproof panels allowing the wearer to pull off a stylish retro look through the colder months of the year.

A summertime classic

With its captivating look and comfort-giving design, the V2K Run quickly installed itself as a summertime classic. It tapped into the Y2K running shoe revival of the late 2010s and early 2020s, perfectly blending nostalgia and functionality to become an essential part of the fashion landscape and a go-to option for everyday casual wear.