The Nike Roshe Comeback Hasn’t Made Much Noise — but This Edition for a Golf Tournament Could Change That
Nike’s Roshe Run may be the sneaker with the most extreme journey through hype and mockery. The shoe was widely praised at first for its simplicity, approachable price point and fluidity for different colorways. But once the word got out, the adoption by folks far removed from sneaker culture killed the appeal — and the Roshe has never really recovered, even after being brought back out of the archives in 2023.
The WMPO x Nike Roshe Golf 2 “Prickly Pear” could be the version of the sneaker that once again shifts the perspective on it. Made for the Waste Management Phoenix Open in February, this cactus-themed Roshe features a fuzzy green upper with wales that looks a lot like corduroy. Embroidered spikes appear throughout as part of a largely tonal green makeup, while the Swoosh gets its own texture to invoke cacti along with a black outline and spikes. A pink outsole features a tread tailored to the golf course, and on one of the insoles you’ll find a scorpion graphic atop the Nike Golf logo.
For last year’s Phoenix Open, Nike leaned into the sponsor rather than the location by making a Pegasus ’89 Golf that looked like it was made out of trash. In 2019 and 2020, grass-like uppers also graced the Air Max 1 and Air Max 97, respectively, making the tournament a sleeper occasion for themed releases.
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The WMPO x Nike Roshe Golf 2 “Prickly Pear” will release February 5, the day before the tournament begins, through Nike’s website. Pricing is set at $110.
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.
