Take a Step Into the Past With GOAT's Look at Nike's Retro Trainers

What’s old becomes new again, as brands look into their storied history and dig out models from the past. Lately, a wave of vintage and classic running styles have come out of the  Nike archives — some arriving in original colors and others letting collaborations breathe new life into them. Nostalgia-driven, older enthusiasts may be rekindling the love for these models, but for a younger style-savvy audience, they are finding new inspiration for their street style with these retro runners. Spotlighting this moment, GOAT looks back into the last few years of Nike’s releases for a jog down memory lane.

Comme des Garçons x Nike Waffle Racer ‘17 Black

Release Date: September 08, 2017
Lowest Price: $200 USD

The Japanese fashion house, Comme des Garçons, has taken inventive approaches to how it injects its DNA into Nike, often taking avant-garde approaches that push design norms. In a rather subtle collaboration, the Waffle Racer — originally designed for the track — finds its way to influencing a new culture in a tonal black colorway, complemented with luxe suede panels. “CDG” labeling hits the heel in white for a contrasting pop of color.

Nike Cortez Basic Leather OG “Forrest Gump”

Release Date: February 06, 2017
Lowest Price: $40 USD

Cemented within Nike’s legacy, the Cortez found a new audience when Tom Hanks’ donned the shoe in Forrest Gump. The classic runner found relevancy on the silver screen as the actor traversed across the country in a run from coast to coast. The 2017 edition is faithful to the original details featuring a full-leather upper and iconic red Swoosh.

Sacai x Nike LDV Waffle “Varsity Blue”

Release Date: May 30, 2019
Lowest Price: $475 USD

During Paris Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2020, Chitose Abe introduced the world to Sacai‘s collaborative venture with Nike. Showcasing the brand’s penchant for hybridization, this design detail is on full display with the LDV Waffle runner. What can be seen as a more style-forward Frankenstein creation, Abe implemented midsoles with extended edges and bold colors while doubling up on the Swooshes, tongues and laces. She even interestingly combined the branding of her own label and Nike’s on the heel stamp.

Nike Daybreak SP “Vegas Gold”

Release Date: June 22, 2019
Lowest Price: $95 USD

Following the energy around other vintage Nike runners, the Daybreak SP shows that original designs and colors still hold cachet with fans. The outsole features black rubber details, with the infamous rubber waffle outsole. Elsewhere, the nylon and suede built upper is informed by a streamlined design. New tech in the midsole provides an extra bit of comfort over its predecessors, while the color palette alludes to a simpler time.

Nike Air Tailwind 79 “Tour Yellow’”

Release Date: April 01, 2019
Lowest Price: $105 USD

Nike Air was conceived by aerospace technology specialist Frank Rudy, and the Tailwind’s release marks it as the first to feature the proprietary cushioning technology. The model was initially designed to provide long-distance runners with the dynamic support they needed. Even though athletes were skeptical of the model at first, a full release of the Tailwind after its introduction at the 1978 Honolulu Marathon sold out immediately. The retro Tailwind returns to form, as the OG sports features strikingly-similar to its inaugural launch. Vibrant “Tour Yellow” panels and orange hits on the Swoosh and branding provide the base tones to contrasting neutral colors, such as a grey and sail. A waffle gum sole adds the final touch to the kicks.

To shop the selection of Retro Nike Sneakers, head to GOAT’s website.