The Nike Free was a groundbreaking running shoe released in 2004, designed to mimic the biomechanics of barefoot running. The brainchild of designers Tobie Hatfield and Eric Avar, the Nike Free was the outcome of extensive research conducted at Stanford University, observing athletes running barefoot on grass. With its innovative design, featuring a flexible outsole with deep sipes for multi-directional flexibility, the shoe allowed for natural foot movements, providing runners a more minimalistic running experience. Collaborations with designers and brands, such as Matthew M. Williams and UNDERCOVER, have led to creative reinterpretations of the Nike Free, keeping the model relevant and popular in both sports and fashion realms. Its enduring legacy lies in its transformative approach to running shoe design, promoting the idea of natural motion in athletic footwear.
About the Brand
Nike, founded in 1964 as Blue Ribbon Sports by University of Oregon track athlete Phil Knight and his coach Bill Bowerman, initially sold running shoes imported from the Japanese brand Onitsuka Tiger before officially becoming Nike in 1971. The company established itself through innovative products such as the waffle-sole running shoe developed by Bowerman and later pioneering Air cushioning technology. Nike significantly expanded its presence by securing high-profile endorsements from renowned athletes like Michael Jordan, whose Air Jordan sneakers became a cornerstone of sneaker culture. Notable collaborations with influential designers and brands such as Virgil Abloh's OFF-White, sacai, and Supreme, have further solidified Nike's position within the spheres of fashion and sports.
