Nike Waffle Shoes

One morning, he looked at the waffle on his plate and wondered how the square pegs might work as the outsole of an athletic shoe.

It took him a few attempts and a few waffle makers permanently sealed shut by the polyurethane materials, but Bowerman and Nike were off and running. And now, runners and sneakerheads everywhere are rocking the shoes, whether on the track or on the go.

When in Doubt, Waffle

The Nike Waffle Racer debuted in 1977, with suede and nylon overlays connected to the ground through carbon rubber waffle pegs that would drive you forward. While those square pegs have evolved into different shapes to accommodate directional adaptations and other purposes, that type of design and overall thinking has pushed Nike designers ever since. Nike shoes continue to employ the Waffle design and overall aesthetic. The Zoom Rival Waffle uses an upper of Flywire to secure you to the footbed, allowing your toes to splay just enough to provide stable propulsion. The Nike Zoom Waffle design adds to this theory by implementing low-profile Zoom Air cushioning. This adds a layer of cushion to every step while keeping your foot close enough to the ground to maintain that natural feel while enhancing responsiveness. Nike is named for the winged goddess of victory. And Nike cross-country shoes can give you a leg up on a podium spot. The Nike Zoom Victory Waffle series features a Hyperfuse upper that eliminates glue and seams for a bonded, lightweight fit that hugs your foot in a streamlined silhouette. The dynamic arch band lashes your foot to the footbed for a secure feel over uneven terrain.

Multidirectional lugs on the outsole give you grip as you push forward, while the reverse-facing lugs under the heel allow for grip as you descend slopes.

There is room for a throwback style, too, in the women’s Nike Waffle Racer 2X. Built to revamp classic Nike runners, it features a moccasin-inspired upper that offers pure comfort, while the zigzag stitching adds premium detail. The lugged Waffle outsole wraps up onto the sides to give you a dimensional look.

No matter where you're headed, Nike Waffle Shoes will not only elevate your running game but also your style. Pair them with a Nike T-shirt, joggers, sweatshirt, and other options at Eastbay to complete your individual look.