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Return of the Nike Shox

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Return of the Nike Shox

Oct 29, 2024

The sneakersphere, much like a certain galaxy far, far away, is a battleground for style. The big empires — Nike, Jordan, adidas — rule the hype universe. But not every sneaker silhouette sticks around. The Nike Shox is kind of like the Han Solo of the sneaker world. It started out with a bang, then hit some bumps in terms of popularity. But with such a long story arc, the Shox are getting their revival. Here’s their story.

The Original Rebel

The Original Rebel

Nike designer Bruce Kilgore conceived of the OG Nike Shox all the way back in 1984, with Eric Avar ultimately creating the final prototype more than a decade later. Instead of using Nike’s traditional Air-Sole tech, the design team created a cushioning that promised superior shock absorption and energy return, inspired by the principles of mechanical engineering. Born during an age of space exploration, the original prototypes took inspo from the puffy astronaut space suit, with the cushioning emulating rocket booster pistons.

The Book of Pillars

What was the Nike Shox catchphrase? “Boing!” The signature pillar cushioning system got its final design from car bump stops, or car jounce bumpers, which absorb vibration and reduce noise and impact. Hollowed-out foam columns paired with a Pebax plate made the ride both stable and responsive. The cushioning foam was built to act like a spring, and the Shox pistons bounced back some energy. Unlike typical cushioning that just absorbed or spread out force, the Shox columns collapsed inward when the foot hit the ground. And that springy bounceback helped push the wearer forward to reduce stress on the body, lowering the risk of injury.

The Force Awakens

The Force Awakens

Despite their mid-’80s beginnings, the shoes weren’t actually released until 2000. Designed for running, the Nike Shox R4 sneaker was futuristic and otherworldly — and gained global fandom as a shoe for bodybuilders, gym rats, European football fans, and underground music scenes. 

Nike Shox basketball shoes, the BB4, also got plenty of love, thanks to the NBA’s Vince Carter, who executed a “Le Dunk de la Mort” — the dunk of death — while wearing a pair of the shoes.

The Comeback Kid

Much like the buzz surrounding Y2K, the hype around the Nike Shox quietly wore off over time. But, after a long period of relative quiet, the shoe is experiencing a well-earned revival in 2024, thanks to younger generations gravitating toward the nostalgia of a simpler era. The Shox are chunky, comfy and make an excellent Dad shoe — and they’re great for conditions like plantar fasciitis. Kendrick Lamar, Hailey Bieber and Bella Hadid are just a few of the celebs snapped sporting a pair of these boingy silhouettes.

The Saga Continues

With its unique blend of nostalgia and futurism, Nike Shox has proved that sometimes it pays to wait for your time to shine. Whether you're drawn to its distinctive aesthetic or its performance features, Shox have bounced back into relevance, ready to make its mark on a new generation of sneakerheads. See what all the fuss is about. Try a pair of the women’s Nike Shox TL in a pink and platinum colorway, or go with the shiny, futuristic feel of the black and red Nike Shox for men.

Experience the playful “boing” of the 2024 Nike Shox sneakers when you shop online or visit a nearby Hibbett location!

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