Jacquemus x Nike Moon Shoe: A Historic Collaboration Returns Nike's First Sneaker

French luxury fashion house Jacquemus partners with Nike to bring back one of the most significant shoes in athletic footwear history: the Nike Moon Shoe. This collaboration marks the first time Nike's inaugural sneaker from 1972 will be available to the general public since its original release over 50 years ago.

The Moon Shoe Legacy

The Nike Moon Shoe holds an almost mythical status in sneaker culture. Created by Nike co-founder Bill Bowerman in 1972, it was the very first shoe to bear the Nike name and featured Bowerman's revolutionary waffle sole pattern. The innovative traction design earned its "Moon Shoe" nickname from the distinctive astronaut-like footprints it left behind—a fitting tribute to the Apollo era that had captured the world's imagination just a few years earlier.

Bowerman's ingenuity knew no bounds when he poured rubber into his wife's waffle iron to create the prototype sole pattern. This moment of domestic creativity would go on to define Nike's identity and influence athletic footwear design for decades to come.

A Collaboration Years in the Making

The partnership between Jacquemus and Nike has been steadily building an impressive catalog since 2022, fusing high fashion sensibilities with athletic heritage. Their previous collaborations have included reimagined tracksuits, the J Force 1 sneaker, and the coveted "Le Swoosh" handbag. However, none have carried the historical weight of the Moon Shoe project.

The collaboration made its quiet debut during Jacquemus' Paris Fashion Week show in January 2025, where models strutted down the runway wearing these coveted sneakers as part of the brand's Fall/Winter 2025 collection. The timing couldn't be more perfect, as the fashion world continues to embrace retro athletic aesthetics.

Design Details

The Jacquemus x Nike Moon Shoe stays remarkably true to the original 1972 design while incorporating subtle contemporary touches. Each pair features:

• Upper Construction: Nylon base with suede overlays and leather Swoosh branding
• Colorways: Three anticipated variants - Off Noir (black), University Red, and Alabaster (white)
• Sole Unit: Faithful reproduction of the original waffle outsole with gum coloring and a lifted white midsole at the heel
• Branding: Understated Jacquemus logo placement on the tongue, maintaining the minimalist aesthetic both brands are known for
• Special Details: Leather lace tips that carry over design elements from previous Jacquemus x Nike collaborations

Cultural Significance

To understand the magnitude of this release, consider that an original 1972 Moon Shoe sold for a staggering $437,500 at Sotheby's auction house. This makes the upcoming retail release at $180 not just accessible, but revolutionary in terms of making sneaker history available to enthusiasts worldwide.

The Moon Shoe represents more than just footwear—it's a tangible piece of American innovation and the entrepreneurial spirit that built Nike into the global powerhouse it is today. For Jacquemus, known for its refined minimalism and cult following among fashion insiders, this collaboration represents a perfect marriage of heritage and contemporary luxury.

Release Information

• Release Date: Holiday 2025 (some sources suggest September 2025)
• Retail Price: $180
• Style Codes: HV8547-001 (Off Noir), HV8547-600 (University Red), HV8547-700 (Alabaster)
• Availability: Nike.com, Jacquemus stores, and select retailers

Stay tuned for official release updates and detailed purchasing information as we approach the holiday season.