Nike Challenger OG Shoes

As an accurate reproduction of the 1979 original, this edition of the Nike Challenger OG Shoes feature upgraded materials that match the look of the archival design coloured in vibrant tones of university red, coastal blue and solar flare with crisp white accents. Offering a combination of comfort, breathability and flexibility, the uppers are made from a combination of fabrics that include a durable mesh overlay across the toe vamp and tongue, lightweight nylon across the side panels and suede around the heel and front of the shoe. The white lace up fastening threads through zig zag eyelets punched into a suede border to allow for a customised fit on top of a mesh tongue with a near-raw edge that is half concealed by a woven label showing signature Nike branding in black and orange. On either side of the foot coastal blue Swoosh tick emblems have been cut from smooth leather with tips that continue around the heel below a shaped overlay tab above with embroidered ‘Nike’ lettering in university red and a wider suede panel below. Throughout the shoe a soft lining adds to the overall comfort of the design, whilst underfoot the rubber outsole is accentuated at the heel and features an exaggerated waffle tread pattern for reliable traction.

First seen a year after the famous Nike Air Tailwind was introduced during the Honolulu Marathon of 1978, the Nike Challenger Shoes set out to solve common issues of weight and fit that were often felt within running footwear of the time. The combination of materials chosen for the design purposefully improved durability, breathability and flexibility to ensure the final design didn’t hinder the athletes performance in addition to an innovative zigzag lacing system that had yet to be seen on footwear and allowed for a custom fit that locked in the foot for long distance running.

Related Content: Nike Sportswear: The Story of the Nike Challenger

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