Nike's latest Jacquemus shoe boasts a five-decade-long heritage
In a groundbreaking move for footwear history, Nike and French fashion house Jacquemus have joined forces to offer the original Moon Shoe silhouette for general sale. This collaboration, which started in 2022, marks the first time the Moon Shoe, a prototype designed by Bill Bowerman in 1972, will be available to the public.
The Moon Shoe, the first shoe model under the Nike label, was created by Bowerman who, in a stroke of genius, experimented with pouring rubber into his wife's waffle iron. The result was a lightweight sole with improved traction, leading to the creation of the Nike "Moon Shoe" in 1972. The original design was so revolutionary that only 12 pairs were made for the Olympic trials.
Fast forward to 2022, and this iconic design has been reimagined for the modern era. Each Moon Shoe is constructed with a nylon base, suede overlays, and a leather Swoosh. The design is finished with a gum sole that bears the signature waffle tread, providing the same exceptional traction as its predecessor. An elastic band sits around the ankle of each Moon Shoe, offering a snug and comfortable fit.
This new project from the collaboration includes three versions of the Moon Shoe. The University Red version features white Swooshes and laces, while the Off-Noir version boasts white accents. The third version is Alabaster white with black branding. Each pair will retail for $180.
The collaboration has also produced reinterpretations of several Nike shoes, including the Humara trail shoe, J Force 1, Air Max 1, "Le Swoosh" handbag, and tracksuits. This fusion of sportswear and high fashion is a testament to the timeless appeal of the Moon Shoe design.
Remarkably, the original Moon Shoes have fetched high prices at auction. In 2019, one of the original 12 pairs sold for $437,500 at a Sotheby's auction, underscoring the enduring significance of this historic shoe.
With the Nike and Jacquemus collaboration, the Moon Shoe is no longer a relic of the past, but a shoe that can be worn and enjoyed by many. This is a momentous occasion for both the world of fashion and sports, and a testament to the enduring legacy of the Moon Shoe.
