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Nike’s Forgotten Retro Runner Returns as Its Coolest Release Yet

Nike’s deep cut ’70s race shoe returns half a century later as its latest heritage influenced lifestyle stunner.

Close-up of a brown suede sneaker heel with white leather accents and a black textured sole against a red background.Nike
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By Hayley Helms

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While some retro-inspired slim sneakers are well-known (I’m looking at you, Samba), there are tons of vintage pairs that have been lost to the annals of time. 

Nike recently announced the return of the Moon Shoe, one of its most legendary and elusive kicks, and now the brand is digging into its archives again.

Brown suede Nike sneaker with white perforated swoosh and mismatched pink and gray laces.
The Sprint Sister is getting its time to shine once more, thanks to the flat-shoe trend that continues to give life to heritage silhouettes.
Nike

This time, it’s a deep-cut women’s track shoe — one of the first models the Swoosh ever released for women, designed as a middle-distance spike “for her.”

The Sprint Sister has been resurrected before, but this 2026 reissue looks like the third time will finally be the charm, offering a premium, fashion-forward take on the classic silhouette.

Track star

Nike first released the Sprint Sister in 1979 as one of the first track spikes designed specifically for women. Forward-thinking in both intent and design, the model was revived in 2005.

Multiple premium versions were released during the 2000s, but the ’05 take, which was closest to the original low-profile design, was the most sought-after style.

Pair of brown Nike sneakers with white soles, each shoe featuring two different colored laces tied in bows.
The funky double lace concept has appeared on other viral, low-profile sneakers in the past few years.
Nike

Now, it seems the time is ripe for another reissue. Trendy, slim sneakers have been dominating the footwear scene for the past few years, but few have the pedigree, panache and undeniable style of the Sprint Sister.

Close-up of brown suede sneaker with white perforated leather stripe and black rubber sole.
The perforated detailing on the off-white Swoosh adds character and depth to the shoe.
Nike

The 2026 revival of the 47-year-old design includes its debut Ridgerock/Ocean Cube/Dark Cinder/Sail colorway, a unique double lace and floral perforation detailing on the iconic Swoosh.

The brown suede upper and black outsole ground the pastel hues of the laces and Swoosh.

Close-up of brown suede Nike sneaker with white perforated swoosh and two pairs of laces, one pink and one gray.
A close-up of the premium suede upper and lace detailing.
Nike

While additional versions haven’t been confirmed, it’s a safe bet that the Sprint Sister will show up in a variety of polished, premium color combinations.

After all, what self-respecting heritage-performance-turned-lifestyle-sneaker wouldn’t get the full color treatment?

Availability and pricing

The Sprint Sister is expected to hit Nike’s website at the end of summer 2026 and throughout the fall. The retro-inspired shoe will be available in women’s sizing, retailing for $110.

About the Author: Hayley Helms is an associate editor at Gear Patrol specializing in outdoor gear. Once upon a time, she wrote for Men’s Journal, Gearjunkie and Shape. Whether it’s testing a new rain shell or putting a pair of hiking boots through its paces, she leaves no stone unturned (however, she always Leaves No Trace).

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