Classics Revisited: Nike Air Challenge Huarache (1992)

John Kim December 5th, 2014 (updated)

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Nike Air Challenge Huarache 1992

NIKE TENNIS WEEK

We started Classics Revisited: Nike Tennis week with a look at two signature models made for Nike’s most iconic brand reps of the 80’s and 90’s. Today, our focus is a bit more on Nike technology and innovation as we examine a pivotal landmark in the Nike Tennis/Training lineage – namely the creation of the Nike Air Challenge Huarache. Huarache itself was a delicate endeavor as it introduced several concepts into a singular design, like the partial removal of the upper and the use of an inner bootie; the Running and Basketball models were successful simply because of fit and comfort, and so Nike brought over the signature Huarache style to Agassi’s line of Nike Tennis by creating the Air Challenge Huarache.

The overall design, in retrospect, might be one of the greatest ‘hybrid’ designs ever. Tennis shoes alone are like a mix of Running, Basketball, and Training all into one, so the sneaker had to look the part of all three; it adds the comfort and fit of a running shoe, the mid-cut stance of a Trainer, and a sleek and sporty presence of a basketball shoe (it truly resembles the Air Jordan VII). Throw in the wild graphics on the heel and the speckled granite detailing at the midfoot groove and you’ve got a sneaker that, quite honestly, was a mid-foot strap short of being one of the greatest Trainers of all time.

Nike Air Challenge Huarache
1992

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