Nike Waffle One runners

Waffle One

Originally conceived by Nike co-founder Bill Bowerman during the early years of the brand, the Waffle sole has since been used on a wide range of footwear throughout each decade. In 2021, a suave lifestyle sneaker called the Nike Waffle One was launched, and as the name suggests, it features this famous waffle-shaped grip pattern in a celebration of the innovation’s impact on the brand.

The Waffle One has been designed with a nostalgic aesthetic generated by retro suede panelling on the toe, heel and eyestay, as well as the wedge-shaped midsole, which has been a familiar part of the Waffle series since the beginning. A see-through mesh fills out the rest of the upper, making the Waffle One highly breathable, while a TPU heel support protects the back of the foot.

As well as producing a classic aesthetic, the stacked Phylon foam midsole keeps things soft underfoot, and the Waffle outsole has been updated to provide even more traction than before. Behind its rows of blocky grip pads is a distinctive piece of rubber with a debossed swoosh and the text “Est. 1972”, which honours the year Bowerman invented the aptly named sole design.

Reflective spots and intricately stitched details bring a refined touch to the upper, which is finished off with a large swoosh on each flank. Meanwhile, soft padding around the low-cut collar amplifies comfort and gives the sneaker a smooth feel. Also released in an SE model that employs an alternative range of materials, the Nike Waffle One is an effortlessly stylish sneaker and a joyous celebration of the brand’s running heritage.