1990 Nike World Headquarters Employee Waffle Iron

Since the early days of Nike, the waffle iron has become an iconic symbol of the history and identity of the brand.

As the story goes, Bill Bowerman, co-founder of Nike and renowned track coach at the University of Oregon, derived inspiration for the groundbreaking waffle sole traction pattern from a rather unconventional source - his wife's waffle iron. By pouring rubber into the waffle iron's mold, he fashioned the prototype of the distinctive sole. The innovative design not only offered superior grip but also improved cushioning compared to most running shoes of the era, marking the waffle sole as Nike's inaugural major innovation.

To celebrate the opening of Nike Headquarters in Oregon, Nike gifted employees with a special waffle iron, highlighting the iron’s importance to the core of the brand. The iron, made by Villawear is called the Belgian Waffler Professional. 

The Waffle iron features Nike branding and reads: “From Waffle Iron to World Headquarters 1990”

“From waffle iron to world headquarters. Inspired one morning in 1972, Bill Bowerman took his wife's waffle iron, ran to the garage and filled it with urethane to create the first waffle outsole. That was the start of Nike shoe innovation, a process we have been dedicated to ever since. It has led to products, systems and ultimately to five office buildings on 74 acres in Beaverton, Oregon. Thank you for being a part of our grand opening, which should be as significant as that breakfast 18 years ago. This new campus will be a launching pad for further growth and progress with a visible reminder that 'there is no finish line'.”

Philip R. Knight

Nike World Headquarters Dedication

October 6, 1990

The waffle iron comes with its original box, warranty card, user manual, and copy of a note from Phil Knight.