Brand: Nike
Model: Air Tailwind 79
Key Features: The Tailwind was the first shoe to feature Nike's Air sole unit, originally developed by aerospace technology specialist Frank Rudy at the Nike R&D facilities in New Hampshire and Maine in 1978. As well as the Air unit, the influential kick boasts a mesh and suede upper, leather Swoosh, and Waffle outsole.
Release Date: October 17 in Europe and October 23 in the United States
Price: $100 / €100
Buy: Nike
Editor’s Notes: As the first Nike sneaker to feature the company's patented Air technology (nearly a decade before Nike Air Max 1 designer Tinker Hatfield gave us the Air bubble), the Tailwind occupies a very special place in the Beaverton brand's history.
The shoe made its first appearance at the 1978 Honolulu Marathon and was given a general release a year later. For runners, it was a revelation, its unprecedented cushioning platform a huge upgrade from the primitive prototypes that came before.
Last given the retro treatment in 2012, the vintage sneaker is set to return this month. Staying true to the original blueprint with a "Vast Grey/Photo Blue" color palette, the classic kick was available to fans on October 17 in Europe, while American sneakerheads finally get their turn to get their hands on the sneaker today, October 23.
Do you dig vintage runners? How would you style the Tailwind in 2018? Leave some thoughts in the comments below.
Ever wondered how Nike's Air technology actually works? Read on here.
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