Nike and Jordan Brand have never shied away from pushing the limits. Some of their sneakers look like they walked straight out of a sci-fi movie, blending futuristic design with tech that actually performs. Ever since Back to the Future gave us a glimpse of self-lacing Nikes, the brands have been testing what’s possible—think bold shapes, unexpected materials, and sneakers that feel like mini spacecraft for your feet. Sneakerheads have lapped it up, chasing the next experiment. But sometimes, the line between “future” and “weird” blurs. How much tech is too much, and at what point does a sneaker stop being wearable?
Jordan Apex-Utility
Nike and Jordan Brand went full sci-fi with the 2019 release of the Air Jordan Apex-Utility. Taking cues from the React foam used on the Super.Fly 2017, this update wrapped a classic Air Jordan I Flyknit upper in a translucent shroud, complete with adjustable heel straps and flight-inspired graphics. The sculpted React midsole promised comfort and responsiveness, while the technical aesthetic leaned into futuristic vibes that sneakerheads couldn’t ignore. Priced at $200, the Apex-Utility joined four other new releases that year. Nike teased the lineup alongside the Air Jordan XXXIII, showing that even icons like the AJ I could get a high-tech reboot.
Jordan XI Adapt
Twenty-five years after Tinker Hatfield first sketched a laceless Air Jordan 11, Jordan Brand finally made it happen with the 2020 Air Jordan 11 Adapt. This was the first self-lacing AJ 11, using Nike Adapt power lacing to tighten or loosen the fit at the touch of a button. The White/Multi-Color release featured classic patent leather on the mudguard, Infrared accents on the Jumpman and midsole lights, and a translucent outsole. Jordan Brand followed up in 2021 with the Dark Powder Blue colorway. Priced at $500, the Adapt merged tech and tradition, letting sneakerheads tweak fit and light colors via a smartphone app.
Nike x RTFKT Cryptokicks iRL “Space Matter”
Nike and RTFKT finally brought the Web3 hype to your feet with the Cryptokicks iRL “Space Matter.” Steven Vasilev of RTFKT called it “basically RTFKT’s smart watch in a sneaker,” packed with auto-lacing, LED lights, haptics, gesture control, wireless charging, and an NFC chip. Inspired by the Air Mag from Back to the Future II, the sneaker merges Nike tech and RTFKT’s digital vision, letting you redeem NFTs for physical pairs. Four colorways—Blackout, Ice, Stone, and Space Matter—hit private mints December 12, 2022, and public draws started December 7. Only 19,000 pairs existed, featuring Zoom Air Turbo soles and app connectivity.
Jordan x Bephie’s Beauty Supply Air Jordan 7 Retro
The Air Jordan 7 got a street-ready, women-focused upgrade with Bephies Beauty Supply’s “Sand Drift” and Seafoam colorways. Founder Beth Birkett infused her Caribbean heritage and community-focused ethos into the design, celebrating women of color and LGBTQ+ creatives. The AJ7 x BBS blends mesh inner sleeves with drawstring toggles, Huarache-inspired heel tabs, and mini Swooshes, all on a beige/orange or muted green palette. The Sand Drift dropped first, while the Seafoam hit online September 1, 2022, at $210 in women’s sizing. Birkett’s update proves the AJ7 can honor tradition while standing out on streets and courts alike.
Nike Air Flightposite “Dusty Cactus”
Nike revived the Air Flightposite with the Dusty Cactus/Persian Violet, a colorway that blends green, blue, and violet into an iridescent, almost oil-slick finish. The Foamposite shell retains its molded, liquid-like design, paired with a zipper shroud and stretchy inner sleeve for a locked-in fit. Metallic silver accents on the carbon fiber plate and reflective laces add extra flair. First seen on Y2K stars like Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett, the Flightposite’s return taps nostalgia while pushing its otherworldly aesthetic forward.
Nike Air Bakin Posit ‘Metallic Pewter’
Nike brought the mid-’90s court heat back with the Air Bakin’ Posite in Metallic Pewter, dropping November 28, 2017, for around $225. This sneakerboot fuses Foamposite tech with Air Bakin’ energy, giving you a seamless upper wrapped in a zippered shroud and nubuck suede eyelets. The foam tongue flexes a flame logo while the full-length Air unit and foam midsole handle cushioning. The rugged outsole isn’t just for show—it can handle rain, sleet, or shine. Metallic Pewter, Flat Pewter, and black blend across the upper, giving you a street-ready, combative look that nods to both ACG and classic Foamposite heritage.
Jordan Future GS “Green Glow”
The Jordan Future borrowed the Air Jordan 11’s midsole, outsole, and cushioning, but that’s where the similarities ended. From the ankle up, it veered into straight Nike Sportswear territory, giving us a GS sample in layered mesh and a minty green glow. “
There’s no way this was meant for performance, but fans still asked if I’d take them on-court. Performance testers remembered the XI controversy—critics claimed the XI was not meant to be played in.” The Future is clearly a lifestyle sneaker, nodding to Jordan Brand’s performance history without asking for a sweat.
Nike G.T. Future
Nike unveiled the G.T. Future, a low-top built for hoopers who want to turn heads and elevate their game. “The G.T. Future is a new, radical, Nike-only expression of innovation,” said designer Jason Petrie, highlighting the forefoot Air Zoom, full Zoom Strobel, and Cushlon 3.0 midsole that give unmatched propulsion. The sculpted, industrial silhouette locks feet in place with a padded heel system while wide forefoot and heel zones deliver stability. Debuted by AJ Dybantsa and Wale at NBA All-Star Weekend, the G.T. Future blends performance, style, and culture for the next generation of athletes.
Nike Air Max Muse
Nike’s latest experiment in sci-fi footwear dropped in September 2025 with the Air Max Muse, a women’s-exclusive sneaker that balances chunky Air tech with sleek metallic panels. Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles threw the first pitch at a New York Mets game rocking the Muse, calling it “one of the dopest shoes I’ve seen.” South African pop star Tyla has been spotted in multiple colorways, saying, “It feels like a running shoe, like a workout shoe, but it’s not. It’s something that you can wear out.” Designer Can Eldem added, “Our goal was to design an entirely new Air Max model focused on both expression and comfort.”
Batman Beyond RTFKT Dunk Genesis
The Batman Beyond x Nike Genesis RTFKT fusion turns the Dunk Low into something Terry McGinnis would rock while patrolling Gotham in 2039. Cloaked in black with thick panels and plastic accents, the sneaker screams futuristic stealth. Designer Enriquez cranked it up with red Swooshes, circuitry patterns across the quarter panels and collar, and a tiny bat logo on the forefoot. Detachable tongue features add extra flair. It isn’t an official DC collab, so you can’t cop it retail, but Enriquez allows owners of the “Void” RTFKT to DIY—some red laces, paint, maybe custom stitching, and your own Gotham-ready kicks are born.
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