Vintage Nike Shoes: The Best Designs of All Time

Over the last few years, one of the biggest fashion trends across all generations has been vintage Nike shoes. Nike is undoubtedly one of the most famous sportswear on the market, owing to its long history of revolutionary footwear designs that have stood the test of time. 

Blue Ribbon Sports was renamed Nike in 1971, after the Greek goddess of triumph. Carolyn Davidson produced the renowned Swoosh logo, which would become one of the world’s most valuable trademarks.

Nike has remained relevant because of its relationships with some of the world’s most famous athletes. Like Tiger Woods and LeBron James. None, however, have had the same influence as Michael Jordan. 

The shoemaker and player introduced the Air Jordan brand, which has remained a key Nike line. Coming up with new styles every year. With that, we highlight the sneakers that have inspired us, piqued our interest, and are expected to dominate the next stage of the shoe industry.

Nike Moon Shoes 

The waffle pattern left in mud inspired the “Moon Shoe,” which was named after the legendary traces left on the moon by astronauts in 1969. Geoff Hollister, one of Nike’s first employees, manufactured the first Moon shoe. 

In 1972, the Moon Shoes made their first big appearance in the Olympic trials. Nike’s one-of-a-kind ‘Moon Shoe’ sells for $437,500, breaking the previous record for a footwear auction. The Moon Shoe remains one of the most valuable and rare Nike vintage shoes.

Nike Vandal High

The Vandal High made its debut in 1984 and was most recognized for its hook-and-loop strap. A characteristic made popular by the original Air Force 1 High just two years previously. 

Aside from that aesthetic flare, the leather upper on top of a regular sole was typical of ’80s Nike shoes. Despite being conceived as a basketball sneaker, given the arrival of the Dunk, Jordan 1, and Terminator over the next year. 

The sneaker had little chance of success right out of the gate. While manufacturing lasted until 1987, the shoe finally halted production but has made infrequent appearances over the last 30 years.

Nike Cortez

The Cortez was the first contemporary running shoe, initially produced in 1972 for the Olympics in Munich. The Cortez, designed by Nike co-founder and Olympic coach Bill Bowerman, included more cushioning and thick soles to protect long-distance runners from tough terrain. 

The Nike Cortez was also the model that propelled Nike to a whole new level. Its historical importance for the brand makes it one of the most memorable Nike vintage shoes.

Although collaborations ranging from Comme des Garçons to Hiroshi Fujiwara’s Fragment have improved the sneaker’s cultural status. The revival of the original design is unquestionably owing to the unstoppable Kendrick Lamar. 

Nonetheless, with such a rich pop culture ranging from hip-hop to Hollywood, it’s only natural that people started looking for the original shoe. If a retro sneaker wave is on the way, this sneaker will catch it hard.

Nike Dunk High

The Dunk, the second most popular shoe to release in 1985, was a blend of diverse sneakers, as were many Nikes’ basketball shoes during the ’80s. It was designed as a natural progression from the Air Force 1 that debuted three years before. 

Resembling both the Jordan 1 and the Nike Terminator, the upper had slight adjustments, while the last was based on the Nike Legend, Nike’s most popular basketball shoe at the time.

Nike Air Force 1

It was first released in 1982 as a basketball sneaker and has become a modern classic. It is instantly identifiable as a streetwear icon, with its leather covering and springy Air cushioning in the midsole.

To say this is an essential piece of basketball history is an insult. This on-court legend has influenced many current basketball sneakers. It is the cornerstone of basketball’s “Golden Era,” debuting with a leather design with ankle protection and padding. 

The success of the Air Force 1 continues to this day. Leading figures in today’s industry show their admiration for this model. Most importantly, Travis Scott breathes new life into this iconic style.

Nike Air Pegasus

The Air Pegasus was initially introduced in 1983 as an accessible running shoe for all levels of runners. The Pegasus line is still in production today, with a yearly upgrade schedule. 

For the first time in Pegasus history, the women’s version was released exclusively for the shape of the female foot in 2004. The women’s saddle was more “curvy,” with enhanced medial support.

Nike Air Jordan 1

Peter Moore created Air Jordan for Hall of Fame basketball player Michael Jordan during his time with the Chicago Bulls. In late 1984, the first Air Jordan sneakers were created specifically for Michael Jordan, and they were released to the general public on April 1, 1985. 

It quickly gained popularity and became the best-selling shoe on the market.

Nike Terminator

Nike Terminator was introduced in 1985. It was the year when Georgetown Hoyas were regarded as the best basketball team in the country after winning the NCAA championship. He was given a unique honor: his very own sneaker. 

While the Terminator was practically identical to the dunk, the Georgetown version had “HOYAS” written instead of “NIKE” branding on the heel. HOYAS meant the school mascot. When the vintage wave hits, the Terminators can make a comeback.

Nike Air Huarache

The Nike Air Huarache, which debuted in 1991, is still one of the brand’s most popular models. The shoe’s lining, which is designed to function as armor for the wearer, molds to the contour of the foot and ankle, is the shoe’s main feature. 

Tinker Hatfield designed this shoe, which caught the running world by storm before making its way to the basketball court and street-style icon.

Nike Lady Waffle Trainer

In 1978, Nike introduced the Nike Lady Waffle Trainer, which was yellow with a blue swoosh, and the Nike Lady Cortez, which had a leather top and was white with a blue swoosh.

Nike was also the first to release a women’s track spike.

Nike Air Zoom Terra Kiger 7

The finest trail running shoes must have outstanding grip and durability, as well as a lightweight feel to keep runners flexible and swift. That is exactly what the Nike Air Zoom Terra Kiger 7 accomplishes. 

The series was first presented in the 1990s as an alternative to the Air Max and has had several modifications to improve athletic performance. The multidirectional traction lugs on this trail running pair, for example, are designed to deal with tough terrain.