Alessandro Michele‘s Gucci has released various iterations of the Ultrapace and Ultrapace R since its debut back in 2019, and yet despite it appearing in a Dover Street Market-exclusive leopard print version and covered in faux exotic materials, none are as daring as this new Fall/Winter 2021 pair made from transparent rubber.
The application of a full transparent rubber upper might be brave, but it also better shows the technical details that encompass this sneaker. Rubber makes up pretty much all parts of the upper and looks to be injection molded, as it clearly displays well-defined details such as the overlaying panels — however, unlike other Ultrapace R iterations, there are no actual overlays as this rubber upper is all one piece.
At the rear, we find a black and neon yellow cup with “GG” and Ultrapace R branding on it, while elements such as the tongue are made from metallic silver rubber. Sitting on top of the tongue is the wire dial closure system that’s branded up, of course, and can be used to alter the fit of the sneakers when putting them on, and throughout the course of you wearing them. A clear rubber branded sole unit and a red knitted interior, where more branding can be found, round out the sneaker.
The Gucci Ultrapace R in transparent rubber can be seen above and bought from Gucci’s website and boutiques worldwide, retailing for $890 USD.
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