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Nike Huarache

The Nike Huarache is a line of sneaker by Nike. It was designed by Tinker Hatfield and first released in 1991 called Nike Air Huarache. The iconic silhouette has inspired other popular Nike shoes such as the Nike Air Mowabb and the Air Jordan VII.

Overview

The Nike Air Huarache was advertised to be inspired by ancient Mayan civilization footwear, “stripped to the bare essentials”. The shoe includes minimal branding; no Nike Swoosh and places emphasis on its technology. The design includes a blend of Lycra, neoprene, and spandex fabric upper, a thermoplastic heel strap, and Nike Air technology sole. It weighs 9.5 ounces. In the original advertising, it asked runners, “Have you hugged your foot today?”

Sales based on the sample were weak, with just 5,000 orders secured (100,000 was the average order amount to justify production). The Nike Air Huarache was cancelled. 5,000 pairs produced and sold at the New York City Marathon was a high-risk strategy that worked. They sold out in two days. An order for 250,000 followed, with half a million made the following year.

The original release was a success. It was sold out in many shoe stores. The Nike Air Huarache appeared on television by celebrities such as comedian, Jerry Seinfeld and endorsed by athletes such as, Olympic gold medalist, Michael Johnson.

Variations

Nike Air Flight Huarache

In 1992, the Nike Air Flight Huarache was released. The Nike Air Flight Huarache was a basketball shoe, inspired by the original design. It was made popular by the Fab Five from the University of Michigan. It is considered one of the best and most comfortable basketball shoes to date.

Nike Air Huarache International

The Nike Air Huarache International was also released in 1992. It features slight modifications such as the removal of the iconic ankle strap and less neoprene fabric.

Nike Air Trainer Huarache

The Nike Air Trainer Huarache, also released in 1992. It resembles the Nike Air Flight Huarache, but adds a Velcro strap above the laces. This model is regularly re-released and can be easily found at shoe stores to this date.

Nike Air Tech Challenge Huarache

Originally named Air Challenge Huarache, the Nike Air Tech Challenge Huarache was also released in 1992. It combines visible Nike Air technology and Nike Huarache technology.

Nike Air Dynamic Flight

The Nike Air Dynamic Flight was also released in 1992. Although its name does not contain Huarache, its technologies and design are extremely similar. It was regularly worn by Chicago Bulls player, Scottie Pippen.

Nike Air Huarache Light

The Nike Air Huarache Light was released in 1993. It was a running shoe and resembles the Nike Air Huarache Racer. This show has been re-released several times and used in collaborations.

Nike Air Trainer Huarache ‘94

The Nike Air Trainer Huarache ’94 was released in 1994. It features overlapping straps and a heavy duty fastening system above the laces. It inspired other Nike shoes such as the Nike Air Unlimited and the Nike Air Huarache Plus ’94.

Nike Air Zoom Huarache 2K4

The Nike Air Zoom Huarache 2K4 was released in 2004 as another success in using Nike Huarache technology in basketball shoes. It was designed by Eric Avar and is considered one of the best basketball shoes of all time. It was worn by Kobe Bryant before he released his own line with Nike.

Nike Air Max 90 Current Huarache

In 2009, the Nike Air Max 90 Current Huarache was released. It combines Hadfield’s Nike Air Max 90 and his Air Huarache designs, along with more recent technology, Nike Free.

Nike Zoom Huarache TR Mid

In 2010, the Nike Zoom Huarache TR Mid was released. It features Hadfield’s Dynamic Fit technology. It is worn by many Nike athletes in several sports, including Amar’e Stoudemire and was the key NFL model during the licensing for the league.

Nike Huarache Free 2012

In 2011, the Nike Huarache Free 2012 was designed. It uses Nike Air Huarache and Nike Air Flight Huarache uppers and Nike Free bottoms.