Our verdict

92
Great!

Nike brought a well-loved running silhouette from the 70s back, this time as a casual sneaker. Presented in glorious colorways, the Nike Waffle Racer got the nod from followers and onlookers for its vintage vibe and versatile appeal. A fresh version of the classic kick, it boasts comfort and craftsmanship comparable to other more popular kicks. Despite some minor drawbacks, this sneaker is worth considering if you're going for an all-around pair.

nike air zoom glove orange grey dress pants Pros

  • Comfortable
  • Timeless
  • Lightweight
  • High-quality
  • Breathable
  • Affordable

nike air zoom glove orange grey dress pants Cons

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  • Narrow

Who should buy the Nike Waffle Racer

You'd hardly say no to this throwback pair if you:

  • favor running-inspired Swoosh kicks with a strong vintage charm
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  • long for Nike shoes that aren't more than $85 

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Who should NOT buy it

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nike air zoom glove orange grey dress pants | Nike Waffle Racer for the city street racers

Considered one of the most classic silhouettes, the Nike Waffle Racer reigns in the vintage sneaker market even without any fancy technology. This modernized version kept its retro look but was upgraded with a memory foam sockliner and a more cushy midsole to make it more suitable for city street walking. 

Nike Waffle Racer start

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The majority of wearers share that the Nike Waffle Racer red cozy and snug, which gives them reasons to wear it all day.

Nike Waffle Racer snug

Allows air to circulate in and out 

Like most running-inspired sneakers, jordans cheap size 14.

Nike Waffle Racer ventilated

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It comes in a basic style. It could have been superb with arch support. 

Nike Waffle Racer underfoot support

It can be squeezy for broad-footed users

This pair with a tapering front red a bit tighter than anticipated.

Nike Waffle Racer squeezy

The innovative Nike waffle outsole

Nike Trainer was the first to flaunt a groundbreaking Nike technology called waffle sole. While having breakfast with his wife, designer Bill Bowerman thought of removing all the unnecessary details on the outsoles to develop footwear with lighter and better traction. Using his family's waffle iron, he poured urethane on it and came up with rubber with a waffle pattern.

In 1974, Bowerman remodeled the footwear and came up with the much-loved Nike Waffle Racer. Fast forward, this waffle pattern outsole has survived the period of a quarter-century. It is still used in current footwear as it delivers a reliable grip on various surfaces.

Nike Waffle Racer waffle

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While this sneaker is seldom seen in the sneaker scene, it still made its mark by coming up with new and modern versions: 

Nike Waffle Racer x Off-White. While the overall look of this collab kick did not get the approval of many, it still got the attention it needed for its unique look, consistent with Virgil Abloh's "athletes in progress" vision. Unlike its prototype, this model used hiking cord laces and added spikes on the waffle-patterned outsole, for enhanced grip and striking style.

Nike Waffle Racer 17. Unlike the Off-White version of the Nike Waffle Racer, this model stayed true to its prototype - retaining the nylon and suede on the upper and the waffle rubber outsole. However, the brand upgraded it with a memory foam insole and a cushier midsole to make it more likable.