Nike Phoenix Waffle

Phenix Waffle 

First produced by Bill Bowerman in the early 1970s, Nike’s Waffle sole is an iconic part of the brand’s history. Over the years, it has remained a staple of Nike silhouettes, always evolving with the times. In 2023, this decades-old concept was modified again for a chunky new sneaker known as the Phenix Waffle.

The Nike Phenix Waffle is steeped in history, with many of its features based on heritage running shoes from an era when the company changed its name from Blue Ribbon Sports to Nike. The diamond-shaped patch on the tongue is one of these, as are the leather sidewall swooshes, whose exaggerated tick shape mimics early versions of the classic logo.

Function meets form on the raised sole unit, which is built upon a thick foam midsole that elevates the wearer while also providing them with excellent stability and cushioning. The rubber outsole that the Phenix Waffle is named for has been designed to be much more lightweight than previous editions. It takes on a classic waffle pattern, with square-shaped grip pads lined up in rows across its length to deliver high levels of traction. Beneath the heel and toe, some of the lugs have been oriented in a different direction, each with a mini swoosh stamped into it, and bold Nike lettering adorns the center of the outsole.

One final detail that harks back to the brand’s early days is the reflective strips set into the toe and heel. These windowed panels evoke running shoe designs from a bygone era while also giving the upper a dynamic, sporty esthetic. All of these retro-inspired features have been produced using the most up-to-date materials, making the Nike Phenix Waffle the perfect blend of the old and the new.