Images: Nike & CNK Daily

A few weeks ago, Notre became one of the first stores to release Nike's latest colorways of the new Nike React Element 87 with their 'Lucid Dreams' pop-up shop. The pop-up shop served as hub to get people excited for the Chicago Marathon but also hosted a ton of other activations such as sock and tote customization. But, I actually got a chance to attend a very special design session with the creators of the Nike React Element 87.

It is rare that you get a chance to actually sit down with the team who created one of the most highly sought after Nike releases of the year. We all gathered around the table as the React Team broke down their roles and their process of working with the shoe.

They began making the React Element 87 by pressure map testing individuals who walk heavily throughout the day, which gave them data on where feet experience the most fatigue from community, running errands and more. The designers drilled holes into these spots on running shoe soles and repeated the process with Nike React foam for added comfort.

Nike Sportswear Innovation Designer, Darryl Matthews, used them to create an algorithmic pattern that could be applied to the outsole, using a curvy deboss that communicates movement which is the super cool looking outsole that we all love about the Nike React Element 87.

After hearing how their team did it, it was our turn to try our hand at designing the Nike React Element 87 with new colors, patterns, and materials. I decided to go with primary colors because it's lowkey been my go-to thing when creating something. I believe you can never go wrong with basic colors on any shoe silhoutte, period. I opted to go for a clear upper that we saw on first drop of the Nike React Element with pops of color throughout the sneaker.

I thought it would be cool to have a reflective swoosh that was created by the threading of both green and blue to create the 'Real Red' color. While we would find the blue, green, orange and yellow througout the sneaker ranging from the heel tab to the outsole. It was also very dope to have the team of designers floating around and giving us feedback and ideas to help bring our sneaker to life. They're the real MVP's.

At the end of our amazing design session we all gathered around as some of us showcased the designs we came up with. Some people were inspired by their traditions while others thought about designing the React Element 2.0. Later on we were all gifted with a pair of the Nike React Element 87 in the 'Neptune Green' colorway which came as a surprise! By the end of the weekend, I had all three new colorways which I did a post on sock options to wear with your new babies!

We want to give a huge thank you to Nike Chicago and Notre for giving us a once in a life opportunity to work with the Nike React Element 87 Team. We hope that some of the creations from the creative minds come to life. Stay tuned for more events and activations in Chicago by visiting their site.