Closer Look: Tom Sachs x Nike Mars Yard 3.0

Third time’s a charm? Tom Sachs and Nike are back with a third iteration of the beloved Mars Yard model. Debuting in 2012, the original design was intended to be worn for a trip to Mars, with the deep red color used on the Swoosh and heel tabs for what Sachs says is a “communication gesture” to demand attention. Only 500 pairs were produced, making this iteration ultra-rare.

However, the model had its issues. The shoe was produced with Vectran fabric on the upper, a material famously used by NASA for airbags on the Mars Rover. Vectran is ten times stronger than steel, and requires a laser to be able to cut through it. However, when the material is folded, it is susceptible to tearing. First iterations of the Mars Yard fell apart due to this flaw. Nike’s CEO Mark Parker, who challenged Sachs to create the shoe initially, claimed to know that the sneaker would fail but let the collaboration continue because the storytelling was “too compelling.”

An upgrade came in 2017 in the form of the 2.0 version, opting for polyester mesh for the upper. Nike and Tom Sachs invited enthusiasts to a “Space Camp” at Governors Island that included push-ups to failure, drawings and other ritual activities that Sachs performs on a daily basis. Participants who finished were given a chance to purchase the sneaker. The 2.0 still wasn’t perfect, and many who were lucky enough to secure pairs opted to repair any tears in the upper themselves. 

A rare 2.5 verion of the Mars Yard was sent to 100 wear testers, who all wore the sneakers and returned them to Sachs to inform the next iteration. Although the latest 3.0 looks almost identical to the 2.5, almost every element of the sneaker is different. New features include a red lace keeper on the tongue, upgraded nylon donning straps on the tongue and heel, a silkscreen-printed red Swoosh on the upper, a TPU heel clip and toe cap, and more. 

According to Sachs, “the Mars Yard was made for going to other worlds, and for doing the best we can in this one.” It’s hard not to be excited for the 4.0 which is already in the works according to Sachs, but let’s pump the brakes and enjoy the details of the 3.0 in all its glory here.