Nike Reveals The Full Inspiration Behind “The 10th” Collection

Part of Nike’s “The 10th” collection, the React Ianga is an interesting piece of footwear that blends the sensibilities of a hiking boot with the stylings of popular silhouettes like the React Element 55 and React Element 87. Although the overarching ethos is readily apparent, the inspiration behind the unique silhouette wasn’t — at least until now, as Nike has revealed that both nom de guerre and silhouette were inspired by brand co-founder Bill Bowerman’s time as a major in the US Army’s 10th Mountain Division during World War II. As Bowerman and his men’s primary responsibility was to bravely scale snowy alpine peaks for the Allied cause, the shoe enlists just enough combat-ready design details and materials to tell their story succinctly.

The base combines tightly-woven rugged black fabric with tumbled black leather, while wheat detailing and trim dispersed around the upper’s oblong midfoot overlay, collar, and abstract-shaped heel piece nod to standard-issue GI boots. There’s only a single small Swoosh present on each shoe, and it’s placed at the bottom of the throat’s lace overlay, while a “The 10th” badge on the lateral heel collar provides the most direct salute to Bowerman’s service. Down below, an instantly recognizable white React midsole with a plethora of gum rivets and a single pop of bright orange completes the look. If you’re looking to interpolate the Ianga into your fall footwear rotation, you’ll be able to do so on September 6th for $130 USD, so check a store list below to see what retailers will have stock.

Make sure to follow @kicksfinder for live tweets during the release date.

Where to Buy

• Nike SNKRS10am ET
• SNS9am CET/3am ET
• 43einhalb9am CET/3am ET
• BSTN9am CET/3am ET
• Solebox9am CET/3am ET
• Foot District9am CET/3am ET