In the shoe world, 8 years is a long time between model numbers. Take the Nike Pegasus, for example, which has debuted a revised model almost every year since its inception in 1982. Or even the Hoka Clifton, with nine generations coming out since 2014.
On the other hand, desire and inspiration can lead to a longer wait for sneakers. That’s why, after an 8-year wait, artist Tom Sachs has finally reunited with Nike for their third iteration of the Mars Yard sneaker since 2012.
Some Backstory
13 years ago, Sachs and Nike embarked on a joint project — some would call it a sub-label — called NikeCraft, where the worlds of art and sneakers collide in a way that’s both functional and innovative. Sporting a red, maple, and natural white colorway, their debut model was the Mars Yard 1.0, a shoe that took leftover Vectran fabric from NASA’s Mars Excursion Rover airbags and used it for the upper, with brown suede overlays. Meanwhile, the outsoles borrowed from the old Nike Special Forces Boot and the overall detailing was inspired by the Apollo Mission’s Lunar Overshoes.
Sachs, who’s known for his take on NASA-themed art installations, such as the recreation of the Apollo Lunar Excursion Module, made sense for this collaboration. Right around this time in 2012, he also oversaw “Space Program: Mars” at the Park Avenue Armory in New York City, a simulated Mars mission installation.
Designed to perform at NASA-JPL’s Mars Yard in Southern California, the shoes nevertheless maintained versatility for everyday function too. While initial models retailed for $385, the secondary market has seen these range from $5,000 to $20,000 per pair.
Sachs and Nike followed this up with the Mars Yard 2.0 in 2017. After the original materials from the 1.0 showed wear issues during testing, NikeCraft opted for stronger X-box stitching on the straps and an inverted tread. Retaining the same colorway as before, the 2.0 got a wider release and a lower price tag of $200, but secondary resale models have fetched as high as $10,000.
And then, in 2019, NikeCraft expanded on the Mars Yard 2.0 with an Overshoe version designed to withstand inclement weather and moisture, built with extensive use of Dyneema and dual Fidlock buckles. These retailed for over $500.
NikeCraft Mars Yard 3.0
Looking strikingly similar to the Mars Yard 2.0, the Mars Yard 3.0 does admittedly add the base series’ first new color in the form of a black TPU toecap. Performance-wise, these implement notable improvements, such as open mesh polyester uppers (still with the brown suede overlays), a silkscreen-printed Swoosh (rather than stitched), and the addition of a TPU heel clip.
However, the most notable improvements will come underfoot. These sneakers will carryover the React foam used in Nike’s more performance-focused shoes, along with carbon fiber midsole plates for lightweight responsiveness. We know that the sneakers weigh around 16.4oz in a men’s U.S. size 9.
What We Think
From what we know so far, the Mars Yard 3.0 seems to aim for comfort over style. That said, I do prefer the 2.0s in terms of aesthetic with the stitched Swoosh and the more off-white hue of the mesh uppers. Luckily, these are intended for sneakerheads favoring more practicality and comfort, yet with exclusivity on their feet.
Spec Sheet
Uppers: Open mesh polyester
Midsole: React foam and carbon fiber plate
Outsole: Rubber
Weight: ~16.4oz (men’s size 9)
Limited Edition?: Yes, unspecified
Release Date: September 2025
Pricing & Availability
Just like previous releases, the Mars Yard 3.0 will be released in an unspecified limited edition, and with an expected $275 price tag. More information should be made available closer to the sneaker’s drop this September. Head over to NikeCraft’s Instagram page to learn more.
Recap
Nike x Tom Sachs NikeCraft Mars Yard 3.0
After an 8-year wait, Nike and Tom Sachs return a release date for their upcoming Mars Yard 3.0.
