Caught in the Tailwind
On December 1978, Nike unleashed the Tailwind runner, debuting its proprietary air cushioning technology. The legendary shoe originally released in Honolulu, Hawaii for the 1978 Honolulu Marathon, with a limited run of 230 pairs hitting six Honolulu retailers. Initially, the Tailwind was not received universally as an advancement in footwear, but the demand from runners eager to test out the new cushioning system, soon created a buzz, that would cement the Tailwind as the sneaker to bring Air to Nike.
(Bill Bowerman, Creator of the Waffle Out-sole)
Technology Behind the Design
Waffle Out-sole
Designed by Bill Bowerman, co-founder of Nike, and best known for utilizing his wife's Belgian waffle iron; experimented with the idea of using waffle-ironed rubber to create a new sole for footwear that would grip, and be lightweight. His toiling would later manifest into the Nike Waffle Racer, aka the Moon Shoe.
(Early Bowerman waffle sole prototypes)
Air Sole Unit
To ensure each Air-Sole was viable for manufacturing, Rudy helped design the Kim Tester. This machine evaluated the reliability and durability of the first Air-Soles, by essentially pummeling the air unit repeatedly. If the bag stood up to the punishment, all the Air units in that batch passed the test. If it deflated or blew up, they all failed. Since the Kim Tester was first used in 1980, more efficient and sophisticated testing processes have been employed.
(Frank Rudy, Pioneer of the Nike Air Unit Technology)
(Illustration of the Kim Tester, provided by Nike)
TAILWIND FULL DESIGN FEATURES
Non- Stretch Mesh Upper: Provides strong support and durability.
Ankle Collar: Made from a soft blister protective material for greater ankle support.
Extended Heel Counter: For optimum support during rear foot strikes. Notched to prevent pressure on Achilles tendon.
Air Sole Unit: Channels of pressurized air encapsulated within a poly-cushion midsole, providing a cushion of "Nike Air" which absorbs and redistributes the energy generated with every foot strike.
Solid Rubber Waffle Outsole: Waffle geometry for lighter weight, durability and secured traction.
(Layers of The Nike Tailwind, courtesy of Nike)
An Innovative Wind
In the 70's, it wasn't uncommon for most famous running sneakers to feature their own specialized cushioning technology in the midsole, but the Nike Tailwind was, without a doubt, in a league of its own. The Tailwind was the first shoe of its kind to debut the most technological advancements to the market. It was the air cushioned midsole and waffle rubber outsole, that cemented Nike's reputation as a company with both feet racing toward the future.
(photo courtesy of Nike)
CONCLUSION
The Nike Tailwind is a classic, and I'm on the lookout for a perfect pair. There's not a day, that I quietly kick myself for not copping the 4th of July, Stranger Things Release a year ago. Knowing the history behind the design, fills me with love for the finished product. I feel the tailwind is a sporty yet sophisticated sneaker, perfect for any wardrobe.
How do you feel about the Nike Tailwind? Do you have a Pair? if so, how many?
Comment below and share your thoughts.
