How a ruined waffle iron launched the Nike empire

nike Nike created the Waffle Trainer to compete with European shoe giants

nike The Nike Waffle Sole

Waffle iron groove! Waffle iron groove! Poured the rubber in the kitchen just to make us move!

nike Liquid polyurethane fills a kitchen waffle iron

nike The Nike Waffle Trainer features rubber nubs for shock absorption and traction.

nike Liquid polyurethane pours into a vintage metal waffle iron under dramatic warm light.

BETA

nike Pour rubber into the waffle iron to discover how Nike's iconic sole was invented.

Fun Fact

Waffle iron ruin: Bill Bowerman forgot to use a release agent, permanently gluing his wife's waffle iron shut during his first experiment.

Glossary

waffle iron (noun)
A kitchen appliance with two textured, hinged metal plates used to cook batter into waffles. In 1971, Bill Bowerman used his wife's appliance to mold a lightweight athletic shoe sole.

Gossip

Would you run in shoes made on a waffle iron?

Quiz

Who was Phil Knight's co-founder and legendary Oregon track coach?

nike Melissa Bowerman excavates the original Nike waffle iron in Coburg, Oregon.

Gossip

Which classic sneaker style is your favorite?

Quiz

What model of car trunk did Phil Knight sell shoes from in the early days of Blue Ribbon Sports?

Quiz

What was Nike's original company name before it was rebranded in 1971?

Quiz

Which Japanese brand did Blue Ribbon Sports originally import and distribute in the United States?

Quiz

What material did Bill Bowerman pour into his wife's waffle iron during his famous 1971 experiment?

Quiz

How much money did Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman each invest to start Blue Ribbon Sports in 1964?

Quiz

In what year did the commercial Nike Waffle Trainer make its official debut?

Quiz

Where was Bill Bowerman's original, melted waffle iron discovered in 2011?