Aaron Hope 
The recent return of the OG Air Trainer SC IIs was more than welcome with the rabid cult following it’s built in recent years as the demand for a retro release built to a fever pitch. Here’s another model that was more obscure upon its debut and will probably always remain as such relative to the SC IIs, but the folks who are going to be into these should probably sit down before reading this. A trio of Air Kukunis were previewed around the turn of the year and judging by how long it’s been, you can consider them all but nixed. But this might not be entirely bad news, as perhaps Nike Sportswear was just clearing the way for the new Nike Kukini Free. It’s such an obvious match to have the Kukini’s elasticized skeleton lockdown system paired with the super-responsive Free 5.0 sole, and almost shocking when you consider how close in time these two looks debuted. Then again, it also goes to show how much the industry used to be regimented in its design when compared to the modularity that abounds with today’s ever-growing expanse of hybrids. So this is not only a dope minimalist runner, but also a statement on the last decade-plus of design evolution, and these three pairs should be in stores next summer. via CK
Nike Kukini Free
Black/Sail-Anthracite
Spring 2012
Nike Kukini Free
Soar/White-Cyber
Spring 2012
Nike Kukini Free
Sport Red/White-Varsity Royal
Spring 2012
