Nike Waffle Racer

In the hunt for a spikeless runner that offered equal traction, Nike co-founder and then-track & field coach, Bill Bowerman, decided to pour urethane into his wife’s waffle iron – after a discussion over breakfast. The result would inspire Nike's first shoe, the Waffle Trainer, which debuted in 1974. Over four decades – and a slight bit of success – later, the classic Waffle sole remains in production, most recently supporting the ‘Waffle Racer’ silhouette.