1970s Nike Oregon Waffle | Size 11

Oregon Waffles were the first Waffle shoe sold to the public in 1973 by Nike. The iconic Waffle was named for the patented waffle iron-like pattern of the rubber outsole, which Nike co-founder Bill Bowerman developed after being inspired by his wife’s waffle iron.

Waffle Soles were the first major innovation at Nike. The US Patent Number 3793750 for Waffle Soles appears on the bottoms of the shoes. Bill Bowerman was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame for his Waffle Soles invention.

The raised grid of polygon nubs increased stabilization with gripping edges that improved traction on multiple surfaces, without the need for metal spikes. The sneaker is finished in a nylon upper in the University of Oregon’s signature yellow and green colorway.

Exceptionally rare, offered in this lot is an original pair of Nike Oregon Waffles, with the original box. This pair was manufactured in Japan, as was typical of Nike’s early production in the 1970s, before the company transitioned to broader international manufacturing.