The Nike Air Sock Racer is back

When the Tinker Hatfield-designed Nike Air Sock Racer released in the late 1980s, it was a real novelty with its slip-on construction and tight-fitting upper in one of the lightest running shoes the world had seen at that point. And as we all know, sock-like shoes with close-fitting uppers never really became a thing in sneakers afterwards (yeah, right!).

For everyone who loved the original, here’s great news: Nike is bringing back the Nike Air Sock Racer OG, due to drop on March 11. After bringing back the Air Sock Racer with a Free sole in 2013, this one is true OG to the fullest, all the way down to the black-white-and-yellow color scheme.

So, how does the Nike Air Sock Racer OG hold up in the age of Flyknit, sock-liners and their ilk? Surprisingly well, it turns out. While the upper is crafted from flexible mesh instead of any kind of knit, stability is provided by two adjustable mid-foot straps.

Nike Air cushioning in the foam sole creates a responsive running sensation, while the outsole’s curved toe – pointed upwards almost 2cm off the ground – is a functional design now being revisited in the next-level Nike Zoom Vaporfly Elite.

In other words: A groundbreaking – and prophetic – shoe that predicted the shape of things to come is back. Available in a black colorway with a white outsole and yellow splashes for 1980s style contrast.

The Nike Air Sock Racer OG releases on March 11 online and at select retailers including Solebox with a price around EUR 100.00.