Nike Waffle-Shaped Dunk Low Sneaker Arrives in Time for 50th Anniversary of the Sole Innovation
Fifty years after Bill Bowerman pioneered outsoles with a grip pattern provided by kitchen equipment, Nike is once again turning to the waffle iron.
The Dunk Low will take on a waffle texture not for its outsole but for its upper. The uncanny pattern arrives in light brown suede for the shoe’s quarter, while the rest of the upper’s underlays utilize the same suede sans grid. Tan leather is then for all of the overlays except for a white leather Swoosh. Two additional shades of brown form the midsole and outsole to continue the monochrome look, while the insole features a special “One Bowerman Dr” patch calling out the address of Nike’s headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon.
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Feb. 26 will mark the 50th anniversary of the waffle sole‘s first patent being granted, the first of many performance innovations from the company. Bowerman famously poured rubber into waffle iron to create a new sole for a running shoe that would provide grip on multiple surfaces without the need for spikes.
Leaks also suggest Nike will celebrate the occasion with a Blazer Mid incorporating the same theme, and given the significance of the waffle sole in Nike’s history, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the brand has much more in store that hasn’t yet been spoiled. Given the predictability of sneaker influencers, it also wouldn’t be a surprise if you see someone pouring syrup on these kicks quite soon either.
The Nike Dunk Low “Waffle” will release Feb. 17 through the SNKRS app. Pricing is set at $125.
About the Author:
Ian Servantes is a Senior Trending 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.
