When the Nike Air Huarache first launched in 1991, you couldn’t fault anyone for being a little surprised. Designer Tinker Hatfield limited the branding almost to the point of excluding it. He instead focused on the technology, creating something both sleek and comfortable in the process. And while it eventually developed into a classic shoe, the Huarache left some at Nike anxious. The brand didn’t release the sneaker until after the NYC Marathon, where a test run intrigued runners and finally convinced the Swoosh.
Such is the way with many innovative sneaker designs.
The Huarache technology would ultimately play a role across all corners of sneaker culture. Michigan’s Fab Five obsessed over it. Jerry Seinfeld wore it on television. Michael Jordan’s sneaker line embraced it. Considering Tinker first developed the idea during a water-skiing trip, its versatility was remarkable. With neoprene, the Huarache became one of the first athletic shoes to sport the same rubber used on surfing booties.
Nearly 25 years later, the sneaker still resonates with a new generation. This holiday season at Champs Sports will see the release of a blacked-out version dropping just in time for the bad weather, along with an accompanying fit to keep you laced no matter what life throws at you.
A dark colorway of this incredible shoe is a must for any winter rotation, even with a number of other memorable silhouettes returning. Upgrade your fit today.
