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 crater-like footprints it left behind during testing for the 1972 U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials—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 was struck one morning by the grid pattern of his wife's waffle iron, with its raised squares resembling the exact geometry he'd been chasing for better athletic grip. He poured liquid rubber into the small kitchen appliance to create a revolutionary new kind of sneaker sole. This moment of domestic creativity would go on to define Nike's identity and influence athletic footwear design for decades to come.

While a small batch of the original models debuted at the 1972 U.S. Olympic Trials, the Moon Shoe never went to market. Its DNA was quickly adapted into the 1973 Oregon Waffle and 1975 Waffle Trainer, the latter becoming Nike's first blockbuster success and redefining expectations of running shoe performance.

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. This Moon Shoe project represents their fourth footwear collaboration, following the Nike x Jacquemus Air Max 1, J Force 1, and Air Humara. However, none have carried the historical weight of the Moon Shoe project.

As Simon Porte Jacquemus explains: "Three years ago, when I visited the Nike archives, I first came across the historic Moon Shoe. I saw a unique, minimal running shoe that was both timeless and modern in its simplicity and execution. I knew it was an opportunity to create a new story and reshape it in the Jacquemus way."

The collaboration made its quiet debut during Jacquemus' spring 2025 runway show in Paris, where models strutted down the runway wearing these coveted sneakers. 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 that reflect both brands' aesthetic philosophies. The restyled silhouette blends the original model's racing origins with a modern ballet aesthetic to create a contemporary, low-to-the-ground torpedo shoe that captures both the simplicity of Jacquemus' Parisian design philosophy and the dynamism of Nike's sport heritage.

Each pair features:

• Upper Construction: Ruched nylon base with leather Swoosh and heel counter
• Sole Unit: Nike Regrind outsole that faithfully reproduces the original waffle pattern
• Branding: Jacquemus logos on the tongue, heel, and sock liner, maintaining the minimalist aesthetic both brands are known for
• Packaging: Exclusive co-branded packaging that harks back to Nike's earliest heritage as Blue Ribbon Sports
• Colorways: Three distinct styles including the Jacquemus-exclusive Alabaster alongside Off Noir and University Red looks

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 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

Mark your calendars: The Nike x Jacquemus Moon Shoe will be available September 29 at jacquemus.com before launching across SNKRS and select Nike retail locations October 6. This staggered release approach gives Jacquemus customers early access while ensuring wider availability through Nike's established channels.

• Early Access: September 29, 2025 via Jacquemus.com
• General Release: October 6, 2025 via SNKRS and select Nike retailers
• Colorways: Alabaster (Jacquemus exclusive), Off Noir, and University Red
• Style Codes: HV8547-001 (Off Noir), HV8547-600 (University Red), HV8547-700 (Alabaster)

This collaboration marks the first time in history that Bill Bowerman's legendary Moon Shoe will be widely available to the public. Don't miss your chance to own a piece of sneaker history.