A Closer Look at Nike's Waffle Racer Crater "Photon Dust" and "Pale Ivory"
A progressive twist on the 1977 silhouette.
Nike‘s Waffle Racer Crater has been given vibrant “Photon Dust” and “Pale Ivory” iterations. The silhouette is part of Nike’s move towards more sustainable production — made with at least 20 percent recycled material.
The shoe features a low-profile build inspired by the original Nike Waffle Racer from 1977 and likens to vintage Nike shoes, like the Daybreak or the Cortez, yet offers a contemporary look due to its progressive materials.
Starting at the top of the shoe is a bold “Nike” tongue tag, complemented by a branded leather heel tab. The uppers are kept minimal, constructed with breathable nylon, while a smooth leather Swoosh is sewn onto the sidewalls. As a finishing touch to the uppers, suede panels are placed at the toecap and heel. All of these details rest over a speckled midsole and outsole built out of Nike’s Grind rubber, an eco-friendly material made from leftover manufacturing scraps.
Nike’s Waffle Racer Crater “Photon Dust” and “Pale Ivory” are currently available on atmos’ website for ¥11,000 JPY (approximately $110 USD).
In case you missed it, here’s a retro-inspired “1972” colorway of Nike’s Cortez.
