Nike has a long history of reshaping sneaker culture through merges, and Simon Porte Jacquemus has carved out his own reputation for injecting surreal romanticism into contemporary fashion. Their paths first crossed in 2022, with a tennis-inspired Air Humara collaboration that blurred the line between utility and minimal chic. Now, in Fall 2025, the two houses reconvene on a larger scale, reimagining one of Nike’s most mythologized sneakers — the 1972 Moon Shoe — as the “Jacumoon.” Scheduled to release in September and October, this drop feels less like a product and more like a curated event: a study in history, heritage, and futurism.

The Legacy of the Moon Shoe

To understand the Jacumoon, one must first trace back to its source. The original Moon Shoe, designed by Nike co-founder Bill Bowerman, was handmade for the 1972 Olympic Trials. Its hallmark was the waffle sole — a revolutionary outsole poured in Bowerman’s waffle iron that gave athletes unprecedented grip. Only a handful of pairs were ever produced, making the Moon Shoe both a relic and a symbol of Nike’s restless innovation. One pair famously fetched over $400,000 at auction in 2019.

By reaching back to the Moon Shoe, Jacquemus and Nike are not just creating another sneaker but resurrecting a foundation of the brand’s mythology. The Jacumoon is a reminder that in shoe culture, history and scarcity are currencies as valuable as the design itself.

Simon Porte Jacquemus

Jacquemus’s role in this merge is not accidental. The French designer has always used proportion, color, and material to create coltish yet elevated fashion. From oversized straw hats to miniature handbags, Jacquemus thrives on extremes. His aesthetic aligns with Nike’s desire to break conventions while remaining globally recognizable.

With the Jacumoon, Jacquemus offers a softer, more sculptural take on the Moon Shoe. The ruched nylon upper and leather accents echo his ready-to-wear collections, while the exaggerated sole nods to the maximalist footwear trends of the 2020s. It is a sneaker that speaks in Jacquemus’s language but whispers Nike’s heritage.

Fall’s Release

Nike and Jacquemus are rolling out the Jacumoon in two stages, underscoring its exclusivity. On September 29, 2025, the sneaker will drop first through Jacquemus.com, reflecting the brand’s intimate, boutique sensibility. A week later, on October 6, 2025, it will reach Nike SNKRS and select retailers worldwide, democratizing access but still ensuring scarcity.

The staggered release is emblematic of luxury-sneaker culture in the mid-2020s: hype built through exclusivity, then amplified by controlled wider distribution. It guarantees both immediate sellouts and a longer lifespan in the cultural conversation.

Colorways

The first wave features three striking colorways, each with its own storytelling logic:

Off Noir / Cashmere / Gum Light Brown / Neptune Green / Storm Blue / Hydrogen Blue (HV8547-001) — A moody palette balancing earth and sea tones.

University Red / Cashmere / Bicycle Yellow / Gum Light Brown / Storm Blue / Hydrogen Blue (HV8547-600)— A vibrant, athletic homage to Nike’s track roots.

Alabaster / Off Noir / Soft Pearl / Hydrogen Blue / Gum Medium Brown / Storm Blue (HV8547-700) — A neutral scheme that evokes Jacquemus’s sun-drenched Mediterranean identity.

Beyond Fall 2025, three more rumored colorways are set for Spring 2026, ensuring longevity for the silhouette and keeping collectors engaged. Each colorway tells its own story, positioning the Jacumoon not just as footwear but as a canvas.

Bridging Past and Future

At first glance, the Jacumoon resembles a relic of the past with its waffle-soled DNA. But closer inspection reveals the details that make it unmistakably 2025:

• Ruched nylon upper provides a textured, almost couture-like drape.

• Leather Swoosh and heel counter anchor the shoe with premium materials.

• Nike Grind outsole signals sustainability, using recycled content.

• Co-branded detailing appears on tongue, heel, and sockliner.

• Packaging nods to Nike’s early “Blue Ribbon Sports” boxes, blending nostalgia with modern marketing.

Flow

The Jacumoon arrives at a time when sneaker culture is saturated yet craving authenticity. Collaborations are no longer just about logos side by side; they are about narrative depth. Nike and Jacquemus succeed here because the story feels organic.

The Moon Shoe is a myth of performance history, while Jacquemus represents a new myth of playful fashion. Their intersection in 2025 creates a conversation across generations: from athletes of the 1970s to TikTok stylists of today. For collectors, the Jacumoon is not merely footwear but an artifact.

A Moon Landing for the Modern Era

The Jacquemus × Nike Jacumoon isn’t just another drop. It is a conversation across time, a collision of heritage and whimsy, a shoe that looks backward and forward simultaneously. In Fall 2025, when pairs begin to circulate, it won’t just be collectors lining up; it will be anyone who understands that sometimes, the boldest steps are those that pay homage to the very first footprints.

In the orbit of shoe culture, the Jacumoon is more than a shoe — it is a celestial event.

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