Nike Mashes Up Distinct Eras With the Air Max Waffle
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Two distinct eras of running from Nike are coming together on a new hybrid sneaker releasing this week.
The Nike Air Max Waffle brings together elements of the 1973 Waffle Racer with the 1998 Air Max Plus. The upper gets the shape of the newer model with the materials and panels of the elder, as two tones of green in suede and nylon to go along with black leather. The Waffle Racer’s namesake tread then takes over the forefoot of the sole unit, giving way to the Air Max Plus from the midfoot back with its whale tail-inspired shank in a red and orange gradient and Tuned Air Tech.
Heel paneling from the Air Max Plus is underlaid beneath the Waffle Racer’s mustache, and the latter’s waffle tread is also added to the rear of the midsole as it runes into the outsole.
Nike co-founder Bill Bowerman experimented with pouring rubber into an actual waffle maker the early ’80s in order to better grip the University of Oregon’s new artificial track. His breakfast tread would then become Nike’s first innovation when it hit the market, starting a legacy that would help inform the Air Max Plus’ introduction 25 years later.
Foot Locker was the exclusive stockist for the Air Max Plus in its initial run, and designer Sean McDowell took inspiration from Florida’s palm trees at sunset for the shoe’s upper. The beach theme continued with the shape of the midfoot shank, while Tuned Air featured unique levels of air pressure for individual chambers. Last year, Nike brought the Air Max Plus in full force for its 25th anniversary and its now a more regular part of the company’s lineup with availability wider than just Foot Locker.
The Nike Air Max Waffle will get its first release in “Action Green/Black/Tonal Orange” this Thursday, November 14, through the Snkrs app and select third-party retailers. Pricing is set at $140.
About the Author:
Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.
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