History of Nike Road Running Shoes?
Nike’s history in road running shoes began in the early 1970s when co-founder Phil Knight and track coach Bill Bowerman sought to create innovative footwear for athletes. The introduction of the Nike Cortez in 1972 marked the brand’s entry into the running market, but it was the launch of the Nike Waffle Trainer in 1974 that revolutionized running shoes with its unique waffle-patterned outsole for enhanced traction. Throughout the years, Nike continued to innovate, introducing technologies like Air cushioning in the late 1980s and the Flyknit upper in the 2010s, which provided lightweight support and breathability. Today, Nike remains a leader in the running shoe industry, continually evolving its designs to meet the needs of both elite runners and casual joggers. **Brief Answer:** Nike began producing road running shoes in the early 1970s, starting with the Nike Cortez and later innovating with the Nike Waffle Trainer. Over the decades, the brand has introduced various technologies, such as Air cushioning and Flyknit, solidifying its position as a leader in the running shoe market.