Nike has been experimenting with the “dad shoe” trend for years. And now the company has decided to give the running sneaker a Cinderella-style makeover (just in time for prom and all the ball dances?). The brand has teamed up with Chinese Canadian designer Susan Fang to create a sneaker that looks less “Steve Jobs” and more “fairy-tale princess.” With the world going completely Wicked-crazy, it only makes sense (just check out these Wicked-inspired Air Jordan 11s).
If you don’t know Fang yet, you should. She’s a graduate of Central Saint Martins, was shortlisted for the 2019 LVMH Prize, and last year staged her first solo show in Milan thanks to Dolce & Gabbana’s backing. Fang’s style is dreamy, romantic, and nature-inspired, often blending math with beauty (yes, actual geometry ends up in her flower patterns). Nike has been supporting her since 2023, letting her tinker with footwear for her runway shows, where she added bubble beads, florals, and whimsical details to otherwise standard sneakers.
Now, she’s finally getting her own collection with The Swoosh. And it’s about as far from Air Monarchs as you can get. The Susan Fang x Nike capsule includes sportswear and accessories, but the stars are the Dunk and the V2K Run.
The Dunk arrives with jacquard uppers and embroidered florals, while the V2K Run gets dressed up with screen-printed ripples, icy blue leather panels, lace shoelaces, and faux-pearl Swooshes. Fang also threw in beaded brooch-style flowers sticking out from the shoe.
“I wanted to capture that fleeting yet powerful moment when sunlight cut through the water and met the bubbles rising to the surface,” Fang explained about her inspiration. You can see it in the iridescent finishes, the bubble-like embellishments, and even the shoelace options. One is standard, the other looks like it was stolen from a ballerina’s tutu. Nike calls it “reimagining the future of sport”.
The V2K Run, which originally launched as a chunky Y2K-inspired runner, gets the full princess treatment here. The design balances nostalgia with a surreal, handcrafted feel. And yes, Nike is a little late to that party. Brands like Asics, adidas, and Puma have already dabbled heavily in lace, bows, and girlcore trends, but Nike seems to be making up for lost time by going all-in with Fang.
This collab isn’t just about footwear either. Fang worked with Nike earlier this year on the Boundless Girl initiative in rural Yunnan, designing a colorful playground for local girls. She’s also contributed to Nike’s Victory Lap show in Shanghai, creating four looks that leaned heavily into her dreamy design language. Oh, and in case you were wondering how deep her sneaker obsession goes, she even wore custom beaded Nike Dunks at her wedding in June. Sadly, those wedding kicks remain a one-off.
The Susan Fang x Nike V2K Run launches September 12, 2025, at select Nike stores in China, including the House of Innovation in Shanghai, as well as on Snkrs China and Tmall. Coming in women’s sizing and priced at $180, this is the kind of sneaker drop that could awaken any sleeping beauty.
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