Bill Bowerman (Nike) (1911-1999). Handmade Prototype Sneakers, c. 1970s. Pair of sneakers. Size 10. Produced by Nike, US... (Total: 2 Items)

Description

Bill Bowerman (Nike) (1911-1999)
Handmade Prototype Sneakers, c. 1970s
Pair of sneakers
Size 10
Produced by Nike, USA
These prototype sneakers were hand-made by Bill Bowerman for a runner who had been recruited from Ireland to run for the University of Oregon, where Bowerman was the Ducks' track and field coach before joining Nike.

At the time that he made these prototypes, Bowerman was in the practice of pressing the rubber soles of his hand-made shoes in a waffle iron to keep them thin. Later, these prototypes led to the development of a style of shoe known as the "Air Free." Bowerman was very set in the fact that a running shoe should always be as light as possible, and the design of this prototype example clearly reflects his ideals with mesh sides and the thin, cushioned soles seen these shoes, spawning the "Air Free" name.


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