Nike Sock Racers
Going through my Google Docs folders recently, I realised 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.
From 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:
The Runner (USA) April 1986
Roadrunner (UK) September 1985
Tri-Athlete (USA) January 1986
Tri-Athlete (FR) Juillet 1987
Tri-Athlete (FR) Juillet 1988
Triathlete (USA) March 1987
Triathlete (USA) December 1987
Triathlon (USA) December 1985
Sources:
Inside The Vault
Swoosh
Other Models:
From 1987 onwards there were other “Sock” models released. The Sock Trainer. Quote. A built-up version of the Sock Racer. The Trainer has extra heel and lateral support, with a more durable outsole. Better than going barefoot and almost as compfortable. End quote.
And the Air Sock. A lightweight shoe like the Sock Racer. But with laces rather than the clip-fastener. Available in light-blue, red and black. Maybe other colours too.
@oldtriathlonstuff had the blue ones. Scott Molina is wearing the black ones below. And Mark Allen wore the red at Hawaii in 1987.
Images:
Triathlete (USA) December 1985
Triathlete (USA) January 1988
Triathlete (USA) January 1987
