Retro Nike Air Huarache Trainers

Nike Air Huarache were so in demand when they hit retail stores in the early 90's. When they first came out in 1991 the design was something very different to what people were used to. Maybe this is what made them so popular. Their strange appearance made them instantly recognisable. Even today, with thousands more trainers of different brands, different colours, and designs hitting the shelves since Nike Air Huarache first came out, they are still unique and unmistakable when seen.

 Original Huarache remakes with a free run sole

The ankle heel and side strap design is one of the main features that sets them apart from the rest. Surprisingly, although you may think this heel design would be uncomfortable because it's quite a thin strap support for an ankle, they are actually very comfortable trainers.

This is one of their main positives among buyers, including myself, having owned a few pairs over the years. Being an all in one "Sock Like" design, they really do feel like part of your foot. They mold to the wearers feet very well. They feel firm and secure but still flexible because the upper sock lining is made from the ever versatile and very flexible neoprene.

The heel strap is cushioned by the spongy neoprene "sock like" upper lining, which is another design feature that was unique to Huarache at the time. Nike Air Huarache were one of the first pairs of Nike to hit retail stores that featured the sock like, all-in-one upper lining where the square tongue was also all-in-one with the uppers.

If you're thinking; They are called Nike Air Huarache, so where's the air? The Huarache that have "Air" in the title have a hidden "Air" system concealed within the soles heel. Some pairs are just called Nike Huarache and I believe they do not have any concealed air unit in the sole.

When they first came out it was the white, blue and yellow pairs that were the most made and the most popular, followed by the blue with luminous yellow. They were quite expensive trainers to buy back in the nineties due to the unique design and high demand, but in today's market, where the demand has reached a high point again with them now being classed as retro Nikes, they are even more expensive. They are generally priced between £80 - £150, with the most common price being over the hundred pound mark. The newer versions that are out today are still the same as the old skool versions but some have interesting differences.

You can now get suede Nike Air Huarache, and in many more colours than were available in the early 90's. Some newer pairs of Nike Air Huarache feature an updated flexible sole system, which is the exact same one used on many of the Nike "Free" (Free run) range of trainers. This makes the newer Nike Air Huarache superb trainers for running. And of course, a super comfortable trainer for everyday wear.

There are even remakes of the Nike Air Huarache basketball boots which look really cool, and are around the same price as a normal pair of  Huarache trainers. Nike Air Huarache also last quite a long time. Out of the pairs I have owned over the years, two have suffered from a broken ankle strap, but this was after about a year of frequent use so you'll definitely get a good wear out of them before anything falls apart.

Good trainers for the spring / summer being so breathable and lightweight. If your prepared to look around you may be able to find some limited edition Nike Air Huaraches for sale, they are available, but be prepared to pay a high price.