Cult streetwear brand Stüssy is renowned for its conscious collaborations with Nike, consistently delivering iconic silhouettes like the plant-based Air Max Penny 2 and Air Max 2013 Fossil.

This summer, then, sees that progressive partnership continue – this time with the classic 1984 basketball shoe, the Nike Vandal High, unveiled with an upper in a striking hue (known as “Deep Royal Blue”), perfectly complemented by a sharp contrast-white outsole.

As fans of the brands’ collaborative efforts may expect, what sets this particular release apart isn’t just aesthetic choices – it’s also the use of materials.

Departing from the traditional leather and nylon construction, the shoe boasts a complete hemp upper, much like Stüssy’s recent hemp-based iteration of the Converse Chuck Hi 70. Hemp, a highly resilient and low-maintenance plant, has the remarkable ability to regenerate up to three times annually, making it the most environmentally sustainable plant.

It’s encouraging to see a brand that emerged from California in the ’80s always working to broaden its horizons and continue to explore natural materials – an attitude very much evident in its collaborations with the Swoosh. Going forward, it will be crucial to see if this commitment extends to Stüssy’s entire product lineup, especially considering the absence of a sustainability report or information on their supply chain, as reported by COSH!.

The shoe’s distinctive details include Stüssy’s iconic 8-ball emblem prominently displayed on the exposed foam tongue and beautifully embroidered contrast swooshes. These elements showcase the level of craftsmanship that befits a special edition release.

If eager to shop this collaboration, mark your calendars for June 15, when it will be available for $130 USD via Nike SNKRS, as well as select Stüssy chapter stores and Dover Street Market on June 9.

And, if this piques your interest, we recently looked at why sneaker brands with a slightly less impressive commitment to animal-free footwear continue to incorporate leather into their plant-based shoes.