Nike Air Max Waffle

Air Max Waffle

Bill Bowerman’s Waffle sole was designed in the early 1970s, and since then, it has delivered powerful traction to numerous Nike shoes, from athletic models to lifestyle sneakers. In 2024, this reliable outsole featured on a unique shoe called the Nike Air Max Waffle that hybridises two of the brand’s old-school classics, the early 1970s Waffle Trainer and the 1998 Air Max Plus.

The upper of the Air Max Waffle is full of retro charm as it takes on the look and materials of the 70s model, with a soft textile base layer and fine suede overlays. Atop the nylon tongue is a Nike Air patch with a vintage feel to it, while the lacing system combines a traditional eyestay with fabric lace loops. Leather swooshes adorn the flanks, and a Nike-branded heel tab floats over a second panel taken from the Air Max Plus. Just like the overlay on the 90s runner, this one tapers towards the top of the heel and displays the famous hexagonal Tn Air logo at its centre.

Another such logo appears in the middle of the outsole, which combines aspects of both shoes. On the medial heel, the so-called ‘hemispheres’ that help to stabilise the sole of the Air Max Plus can be seen, and looping around the rest is a rubber outsole with square-shaped grip pads. These continue across the whole of the forefoot, which is engulfed in a classic Waffle tread. The outsole wraps up over the edges of the midsole and extends up the back of the heel to emphasise the presence of this classic feature, giving the Nike Air Max Waffle a bold and distinctive appearance.

Although the front part of the midsole is covered by the Waffle sole, the rear portion takes on the familiar Air Max cushioning of the Plus. Visible windows on both sides of the heel show off the soft airbags held inside, and the midfoot incorporates the unforgettable whale-fin shank.

When the Air Max Waffle was first released in 2024, Nike created two contrasting colourways; one all in black, the other with a vibrant green upper, black highlights and a shank featuring an eye-catching tonal gradient that fades from bright yellowy orange to vivid orange red. No matter which of these designs is chosen, this hybrid sneaker represents the very best of the past and the present, its stunning fusion of two vastly different eras from the history of Nike running delivering classic comfort and style alongside a captivating new look.