Chapter 1
The court classics that changed the world
Chapter 2
The beat of the street
Chapter 3
Track stars and tech marvels
Chapter 4
The modern revival and restoration boom
Ch 3 · Track stars and tech marvels
adidas 1980s Computerized Running Shoes
Plug your shoes into the screen— (Yeah, plug 'em in!) See your run on a pixel machine— (Oh, we're doing it!)
adidas Paris's inside-out Centre Pompidou inspired the Nike Air Max 1, which exposed its pressurized gas pocket through a midsole window.
Quiz
Which Parisian building's 'inside-out' architecture inspired Tinker Hatfield to expose the air bubble in the Nike Air Max 1?
Quiz
In what year did Nike release the Air Max 1, the first shoe with a visible air window?
adidas Space-age silicone gel cushioning turned classic Japanese running shoes into timeless streetwear icons.
Quiz
How did ASICS famously demonstrate the incredible shock absorption of their new GEL technology during its launch?
Quiz
In 1986, which running shoe model became the first ASICS sneaker outside of Japan to feature GEL cushioning technology?
Fun Fact
The space-age gel: The shock-absorbing silicone gel used in ASICS sneakers was originally developed to reduce vibrations in precision machinery and was even used in space shuttles.
Quiz
In what year did Puma introduce the futuristic Disc System that replaced traditional shoelaces with a rotating dial?
Glossary
trainer (noun)
A soft sports shoe suitable for casual wear. In 1971, Bill Bowerman revolutionized athletic footwear by molding rubber soles with a kitchen waffle iron.
A soft sports shoe suitable for casual wear. In 1971, Bill Bowerman revolutionized athletic footwear by molding rubber soles with a kitchen waffle iron.
Quiz
What did the LCD screen on the tongue shroud of the 1984 Adidas Micropacer display to the runner?
Quiz
Which major athletic event coincided with the 1984 release of the high-tech Adidas Micropacer?