Nike Sock Racers
Image: Triathlete (USA) December 1987
Going through my Google Docs folders recently, I real I’ve got about 20 unfinished podcast episodes or blog posts. Absolutely going to work hard on getting them out in the next few weeks.
So this page is a gathering of resources for Nike Sock Racers. The most iconic triathlon running shoe ever. I’ll add stuff to the page over the next few days to tell the story of the shoes.
Links:
Image: Roadrunner (UK) September 1985
Source: Inside The Vault
In 1986, the Sock Racer was hailed as a serious racing flat suited for runners who race in extremely lightweight shoes. Extremely lightweight is exactly what it was, featuring a four-way stretch open weave mesh, first-of-its-kind synthetic suede straps and a polyurethane midsole to bring long-time Nike Designer Bruce Kilgore’s vision to life.
Recognised as Nike’s first attempt in minimising shoes to their essentials, the four-way stretch mesh ignited the design with the look and feel of a lightweight sock, helping pave the way for plenty of today’s lightweight, road-racing footwear. The Sock Racer has also been recognised as the first polyurethane unit sole with full-length Air cushioning.
The Sock Racer’s minimal, lightweight design also required a break-in period that was best accomplished with a pair of lightweight socks. With this in mind, Nike designer Wilson Smith designed a matching pair of socks now known as the 'Bee Socks'. The vibrant tube socks were given away by retailers to customers who purchased the Sock Racer during its initial launch in 1986.
Images: Tri-Athlete (USA) January 1986
Image: Triathlon (USA) December 1985
Image: Triathlete (USA) December 1986
