Nike's Origin: The Waffle Iron Revolution

Who Was Bill Bowerman?

Bill Bowerman was the University of Oregon’s track and field coach, deeply committed to finding new ways to improve runners’ performance.

• In 1964, he partnered with one of his athletes, Phil Knight, to create Blue Ribbon Sports, which later became Nike.

The Problem He Wanted to Solve

In the early 1970s, Oregon’s track surface was being replaced from cinder track (ash/soil) to a synthetic surface, requiring shoes with better grip.

• Existing soles were either too smooth, too heavy, or lacked the traction needed for both synthetic tracks and natural terrains like grass or gravel.

The Waffle Iron Inspiration

One morning in 1971, during breakfast, Bowerman watched his wife Barbara making waffles.
He noticed the raised square pattern and thought:
“If I invert this pattern and use it as a sole, it might create the perfect traction.”

• He poured urethane (liquid rubber) into the waffle iron, created an experimental mold, and attached it to lightweight nylon uppers.

Results and Impact

These experiments led to the Nike Waffle Trainer, officially launched in 1974.

• That same year, Nike secured a patent for the waffle sole.

• The design was lighter, provided superior traction, and became a game-changer in competitive running.

Fun Facts and Legacy

• The original waffle iron was rediscovered decades later, buried near the Bowerman house—rusted but celebrated as a historic relic.

• The “Moon Shoe”, an early prototype, was worn at the 1972 Olympic Trials.

• Bowerman constantly experimented, cutting shoe weight, testing on athletes, and turning everyday