NXE Lo features a 3d molded footbed for air circulation, and rubber pods in the sole to offer maximum traction, Nubuck and suede accent the flexible stretchy uppers.
A little over a year ago Clarks rolled out their NatureX One. My immediate response was “On Running called and is asking you to cease,” lol. Seriously, the NatureX One held an obvious reference, but much like the recent release of the adidas Switch FWD, we have to be careful making comparisons. In 2009 I created a basketball shoe with 361 that featured voids in the midsole. The Nike Air tech is basically the same concept, except it isn’t. That’s encapsulated air. Clarks’ original drop wasn’t really covered on sneaker blogs or discussed much in the mainstream, but with the learning around the Tor Run and other lifestyle models from Ronnie Fieg’s 8th Street collection, it seems that Clarks realized they needed to build a better-looking offering.
Enter the latest version of NatureX, NXE Hi and Lo which includes a Goretex version. In last year’s NatureX One, the outsole was more segmented, looking to be a more distinctive version not directly influenced by On Running. Here the colorways and the updated model is so closely related to On this looks more alike a collab than a standalone Clarks model. It is well-executed however in both the low and hi offerings. This model doesn’t appear to be trail ready, but it definitely gives off an outdoor vibe especially in the models featuring Goretex. How do you think the NXE will be accepted by the market? Will influencers begin to build looks around this version of Clarks? The Wallabee remains the most street ready version of any drops from Clarks, but this Nature X model may have landed right in the sweet spot.
