| (Image of the Moon Racer QS out of box) |
Behind the Design |
|
The waffle-soled running shoes were designed by Nike co-founder Bill Bowerman for the 1972 Olympic Trials. Bowerman wanted a running shoe that would provide reliable traction for his runners, and experimented with his wife's waffle iron, to create the first prototypes of the waffle sole. Originally called the Waffle Racer, these running shoes would later be renamed the Moon Shoes, because of its distinct traction prints. The Moon Shoes were hand cobbled by Geoff Hollister, one of Nike's first employees. The original pairs had a white nylon upper with black swooshes that were hand-sewn with fishing line. The waffle sole had two-piece because Nike hadn't yet acquired the technology for producing one-piece. |
|
|
| (the original 'Moon Shoe' sold for $437,500, courtesy of Sotheby's ) |
|
| (image courtesy of Nike) |
Innovating the Feet of Tomorrow |
|
The Moon Racer is a combination of the Moon Shoe's upper, Nike React cushioning, and the Vaporfly 4% technology. The Racer celebrates Nike's legendary past, while staying true to Nike's reputation for pushing the boundaries of technology in footwear. Although the Moon Racer has been forged from quite a strong pedigree, these sneakers are not built for actual high performance running. Instead, they are meant to be worn as a lifestyle shoe; paying homage to the great shoes which came before it. |
|
|
| (image shows Nike leather logo, blue mesh, and suede) |
Moon Racer Product Details |
|
The Moon Racer QS features mesh and suede on the upper, with leather details reminiscent of the original Moon Shoe. The outsole is made up of the Nike React Foam, providing a smooth and comfortable ride for the wearer. Its design and shape are influenced by the Vaporfly 4%, and features extra rubber for traction and padding for high impact areas. The Moon Racer’s sock-liner features a graphic of the moon. Lastly, a dust bag comes in box that shows all phases of the moon on one side and the goddess of victory graphic on the other. |
|
|
| (image showing The 'Moon Racer' sock-liner) |
|
| (Nike engraved leather pull tab) |
Conclusion |
|
The Moon Racer is a shoe I had to take my time to appreciate. I really like how the shoe looks, and the dust bag that comes with is pretty rad. I like how Bill Bowerman's image is revealed on the Full Moon. Symbolically, commemorating when man first set foot on the moon, and when Nike for set kicks on man. |
|
|
| (dust bag showing all phases of the moon, and Bill Bowerman in the Full Moon) |
|
| (Sole of the 'Moon Racer', showing traction pattern) |
|
|
