They are not hermetically sealed, but do a good job at keeping dust from settling on the shoes. If you have dirt blowing directly at the boxes, some can get in I guess.
My laceloop popped and I was using the top metal lace loop too. Not saying it is garbage, just is more prone to breaking than other systems. Filed a claim and Nike sent me a voucher. Used it to get another pair. Life goes on.
That tattoo artist is JonBoy. https://www.instagram.com/jonboytattoo/ The writing is a hybrid of his distinctive and sought after style and a more readable font than usual. Dope execution if you ask me.
Back in 2015 Nike was improving on but still fighting the stigma of being a laughable contender in the running shoe game. This could have cemented that mentality.