Top 5 Classic Nike Running Shoes

To get on this list the shoe must be made in the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s or 90’s.  The classic running shoe is a trendsetter and a shoe that has changed the running game.  They must be a good looking shoe and there will not be any super crazy designs because they don’t help you run faster; it’s like putting a ton of stickers on your import car.

#5  Nike Cortez

This is Nike’s first running shoe designed by Bill Bowerman, the legendary coach from Oregon.  This is a very comfortable shoe and was revolutionary  in 1968, but by todays standard this shoe wouldn’t hold a candle to the air max collection.  The Cortez features a wedge-like sole and an almost rocket like design. I own the nylon version, which are super lightweight, but after you wear them all day your feet can really start to ache.

#4  Nike Air Max 97

The Air Max 97 introduced the world to an almost full 360 degree air cushion.  It’s not my favorite of the Air Max series, but its sleek design and giant air cushion make it revolutionary.  It’s not as bulky as the Air Max 95 and way less hideous then the Air Max 96.  I am not sure what happened from the 95 to the 97, the Air Max 96 is just awful.  The Air Max 97 is not a favorite in the sneakerhead community, but I love the sleek and sporty look; plus it’s a really comfortable shoe.

#3 Nike Waffle Trainer

This is Bowerman’s second creation, he even ruined his wife’s waffle iron making this shoe.  The Waffle Trainer looks very similar to the Cortez but has the distinct waffle pattern that changed running in the 1970’s. This shoe is a little more comfortable then the Cortez and helps cut down on blisters and drag.  I have the Rockwaffle, which is a combination of a running shoe and a rock climbing shoe.  They can be worn all day with little discomfort, but I wouldn’t use them as a daily runner.

#2 Nike Air Max 95

My Second favorite Air Max with front and back air cushions.  The 95 is designed on the bottom like a human spine. The lines on the side are very sleek and have the look of a high end sports car.  They are a bit bulky and higher than most running shoes, but they look damn good with jeans. I still haven’t bought these, but I look forward to purchasing these for my Christmas gift.  The Air Max 95 is one of the most highly collected of the Air Max series.  It seems to be in a dead heat with the Air Max 1.

#1 Nike Air Max 1

This was the first Air Max shoe I added to my collection and it is my favorite shoe in my collection.  It was also the first of the Air Max shoes and the first to have a visible air cushion.  The shoe is amazing, not too tall and not too bulky.  It is the perfect classic running shoe, just a clean, classic shoe that looks good in any color and look great with both shorts and jeans.  I hate to wear shorts, even when it’s super hot outside.  I have the Air Max 1 skull pack in the orange and blue colorway.  I chose this colorway because I am a Florida Gator fan and this shoe has the exact same colors as the Gators, but it isn’t a gator shoe like the Air Tim Tebow.  This is the first shoe you should buy, if you want to start the Air Max collection. It’s only fair since it was the first of the Air Max series.

Running shoes have changed so much in the past 10 years; Nike has added Flywire and a 360 air cushion.  Not every change has been good, example the Nike Shox. Even with all the gadgets and gizmos, nothing beats a classic.  Let’s face it, no one is strapping these shoes on to go pound the pavement; they are putting them on to turn the fashion world on its head.

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