Satisfy vs Nike

Let's talk about t-shirts with holes in them.

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery… is it really?

If you’re unfamiliar with the latest drama in the running world, here’s a quick recap of what’s been going down between these two running brands. Satisfy Running (the high-end ultra trendy running brand out of France) and Nike (…I mean, it’s Nike, you know Nike) have recently made some waves with a new t-shirt released by Nike that seems to take many similarities from Satisfy’s better-known product, the MothTech Tee.

It’s important to note the struggle that the footwear conglomerate has faced over the recent years, losing relevance and shareholder support and abysmal performance on the stock market. With excess inventory issues and slowing digital sales, the brand has clearly been looking for ways to gain traction like some of the newer and more trend-favored brands have been. Was this their attempt to increase relevance?

Let’s look at the similarities between the two and discuss how “copying” or imitation is not always so black and white.

The Two Tees

Let’s have a look at both t-shirts to see how they compare and overlap. The first up is Satisfy’s tee, which was released before Nike back in 2016.

Satisfy Running MothTech T-shirt

The MothTech tee, which is in fact trademarked, features strategically placed holes to help with ventilation. Here’s what the site product descriptions says:

Our MothTech™ program is inspired by the “moth” holes found on true vintage cotton t-shirts. However, we’ve taken this aesthetic predilection and made it a highly functional feature. “Moth” holes are body-mapped on organic combed cotton for strategic ventilation with a special focus on the areas of the upper body that produce the most heat, creating a unique cooling system. Breathable and versatile, these shirts only wear better as they age.

Nike Running Division - Men's Dri-FIT ADV Short-Sleeve Running Top

And then there’s Nike’s version…which, I can’t lie is quite similar. Even down to the reflective details that the MothTech t-shirts have as well. The product copy for Nike’s shirt describes the hole pattern strategy as such:

Day or night, rain or shine, Nike Running Division offers the features you need to navigate the paved landscape. This sweat-wicking knit top helps you stay dry and cool with targeted ventilation. Reflective design bars and a Swoosh logo give an extra pop to your run.

Their descriptor is “targeted ventilation” which is almost identical to Satisfy’s product copy describing the holes as “strategic ventilation.”

I think at this point, all can agree that both shirts look strikingly similar, and one of them came well before the other (Satisfy MothTech has been live since 2016 whereas Nike was a late 2024 launch).

So, we’ve seen both shirts. What now?

Satisfy’s Statement

On January 3rd, via Instagram, Satisfy shared the following statement via their Instagram story function.

Via a couple of online publications, such as Highsnobiety, Nike has been reached out to for comment but has yet to do so. The product still remains live on their site as this is being written.

Soon after releasing their statement, the running brand also decided to bring their MothTech tees front and center on their homepage. It’s an obvious move by Satisfy, because we are in the middle of winter, and the MothTech tee is a late spring/summer item.

Great, you’re now up to speed with the latest and greatest.

The Double Edged Sword

I mean it’s clear right? Nike totally copied Satisfy. Done. Easy. Bring on the lawsuits and we can all go home…

Well, it’s not that simple. You see, while in the context of Satisfy’s battle with the MothTech tee, they actually exposed themselves to a bit of hypocrisy. Now, I am not trying to shade anything on Satisfy (I’m a big fan and a proud owner of two MothTech tees), and I do think in this instance, what Nike has done sucks and isn’t cool at all — and shame on them for failing to try and be cool. However, there’s important facts and details that are important to look at outside the context of MothTech, because Satisfy actually did this to another small brand this past year.

Time to bring in Senchi designs.

Senchi Designs

Since launching in 2019, Senchi Designs® develops equipment that complements and elevates the outdoor experience. Made in USA from domestic fabric, sewn by workers earning a fair wage in a safe environment.

Years ago, Senchi Designs released an Alpha Direct ninja style hoodie, great for cold weather running with hydrophobic materials (meaning it repels moisture and essentially vents it). Here’s a look at that hoodie below:

Well, earlier in 2024, Satisfy released a product called the GhostFleece AD Light Hoodie…AD standing for Alpha Direct. And I’m sure you guessed it…they are pretty much the same exact product. Here’s the Satisfy GhostFleece:

Is it a direct copy? Eh, there are subtle differences but overall they are essentially the same product designed for the same purpose. However, this happens all the time. After all, how does a product category get built? How many Goretex rain jackets exist in the marketplace today? Or, how many merino wool long sleeve shirts are there from every major brand? The reason the Senchi Designs Alpha Direct product stands out is because it’s a newer product concept using this hydrophobic fabric to keep you minimally insulated at such a low weight.

So, did Satisfy copy Senchi Designs, as Nike copied Satisfy? Maybe. But I don’t think much is going to be done about it.

Closing Thoughts

There could be more of this story that unfolds over coming weeks, but it’s also likely that it just gets buried here. Satisfy doesn’t have the army and means to go up against a corporate king like Nike. Nike’s litigation power far exceeds Satisfy’s, so it’s likely just to remain a social jousting affair where Satisfy is the only one poking the stick. Nike will likely continue to take the hit, giving no response. I think any action on the Nike front would be to quietly remove the product from their site, but it could very well remain for sale.

Unfortunately, we live in a convoluted world where so little is original. In fact, originality lacks in a multitude of industries, whether it be cinema, food, or outdoor apparel.

Satisfy has every right to be pissed off and up in arms about their MothTech shirt getting ripped off by one of the largest running brands in the world….but so does Senchi Designs. I’m sure there are endless stories where brands have been ripped off, and it will likely continue on until the end of time. I don’t think this debacle will have any monetary or negative impact for Satisfy, in fact it could very well bring even more attention to their site. Not to mention their products are usually hard to snag with the limited quantities they produce.

All we can do is choose to support the brand we align and identify with, and ultimately the one that gives us the best performance product that our money can buy. I leave it up to you whether that’s Nike or Satisfy or even Senchi.

Thanks for reading! I hope you found this weeks entry a little different and intriguing.

Cheers,

-Ryan from Into the Wild