Nike Waffle Racer

The shoe that started it all!

In the early 70s when Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight transitioned from Blue Ribbon Sports in Nike, the first shoe they released was a very early version of the Waffle Racer. The name for the shoe came from the waffle tread on the sole of the shoe, which Bowerman created with an actual waffle machine. This shoe is just as timeless as ever and is definitely worth checking out if you're looking for a new pair of trainers.

The Waffle Trainer is probably Nike's most historic silhouette. First released back in 1972, the shoe was passed out to olympic athletes and was marketed as a performance running trainer. When the shoe was tweaked a little more and re-released in 1974 it was an instant success and became the brand's best selling silhouette.

The main design feature of this shoe which made it such a hit was its standout waffle sole. Flat soles had been the norm and the waffle sole was a surprising but welcomed change to the footwear game. With the release of the innovative Waffle Trainer, Nike made a name for themselves as leading figures in the footwear industry.

Nike Waffle Trainer Release Dates

The influence of the Waffle Trainer and Waffle Racer is still felt to this day. Most recently it has been used as an inspiration for the latest Nike x Sacai collaboration, the LDV Waffle Daybreak and the Vaporwaffle.

To make sure you never miss out on any upcoming Nike drops, keep locked right here at The Sole Supplier!