Over the course of their partnership, Cactus Plant Flea Market and Nike have gone well beyond what’s expected of a sneaker collaboration. Designer Cynthia Lu has pushed herself creatively with every release, bringing out everything from VaporMax 2019s constructed of gardening materials to Dunk Lows encrusted with Swarovski crystals.
But while much of the streetwear label’s work with the Swoosh has borrowed from icons such as the ones mentioned above, 2022 saw them craft an entirely unique model of their own. This continues with the aptly-named Cactus Plant Flea Market x Nike Air Flea 2, whose design is a very drastic departure from its hairier predecessor. Unlike the latter, which conjured to mind images of the Grinch, the newly-revealed sneaker is more akin to a pair of cycling shoes. Alongside boasting thick straps in place of a traditional lace unit, the pair features a sleek black upper, an extremely oversized Swoosh along its lateral side, and a thick sole reminiscent of the Balenciaga Defender.
Enjoy a first look at the Cactus Plant Flea Market x Nike Air Flea 2 right here (Credit: Complex). According to Sole Retriever, these are expected to release during the Holiday 2023 season.
Photos via Complex / @damien_zap