The Interplanetary Shoe That Sold For $500K

Ever heard of the Nike Moon Shoe?

Well, is it actually interplanetary? The word refers to anything that “occurs or exists between planets.”

So technically, yes.

The Origin

The Nike Moon Shoe has a rich and captivating history, intertwined with the early days of Nike and the evolution of running footwear.

It’s early 1970s. The co-founder of Nike, Bill Bowerman, was also a track and field coach at the University of Oregon and was driven by a desire to enhance athletic performance through innovative footwear designs.

His "Eureka" moment reportedly occurred during breakfast when he realized that the pattern of his waffle iron could be used to create a new kind of sole for running shoes.

This led to the development of the waffle sole, which provided improved grip and traction for runners.

The Big Leagues

These shoes were first introduced at the 1972 Olympic Trials, marking a pivotal moment in Nike's history.

They were among the first to feature Nike's iconic 'Swoosh' logo, designed by graphic design student Carolyn Davidson for just $35.

Nike's co-founder Phil Knight, having met Davidson while teaching an accounting class at Portland State University, asked her to create a logo that embodied speed.

The Mad Scientist

The Moon Shoes were handcrafted by Geoff Hollister, one of Nike's first employees.

Hollister used a fishing line to hand-sew the black Swooshes onto the white nylon upper of the shoes.

The sole, made in two parts due to technological limitations at the time, was a significant innovation, offering better grip and cushioning compared to contemporary shoes.

It Sold For…How Much?

These shoes not only marked a significant advancement in athletic shoe technology but also became a symbol of Nike's innovative spirit.

Only about 12 pairs of the Moon Shoes were originally made, making them extremely rare.

In 2019, a pair of unworn Moon Shoes set a new world record for the most expensive sneakers ever sold at auction, fetching $437,500 at Sotheby's.

The buyer, Canadian businessman Miles Nadal, expressed that these shoes were a true historical artifact in sports history and pop culture.

The Moon Shoe's legacy extends beyond its historical value and auction records.

It symbolizes the beginnings of Nike as a major player in the athletic footwear industry and highlights the creativity and ingenuity that continue to drive the brand today.

Something’s Missing

Usually, this is the part where we’d say something like, “Wanna check out the shoe for yourself?”

The only issue with that is the pair was extremely limited and one of them sold for almost half a million dollars.

So it’s not as simple as going on StockX and looking at the asks.

But you can enjoy this picture ;)