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Nike’s Original Super Shoe Never Went to Market. Now You Can Own a Pair

The iconic Moon Shoe is taking on new life.

Close-up of the heel and sole of a red sneaker with a white stripe. The sole is translucent with small rubber studs and has a small Nike swoosh logo. The word "JACK" is partially visible on the red upper part of the shoe.Nike

By Hayley Helms

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Nike has given the world of running a lot of “firsts”: the Waffle Sole, Air Tailwind, and Vaporfly are a few of many pivotal technologies that come to mind.

However, Nike’s first-ever “first,” the Moon Shoe, never successfully went to market. It was hand-built by Bill Bowerman, and while a small batch of early models debuted at the 1972 U.S. Olympic Trials, the Moon Shoe never actually made it to shelves.

Red Nike sneakers with white swooshes and laces, worn with white textured socks and a beige skirt, standing on a wooden floor with a red line.
These icons are an immediate add-to-cart.
Nike

Its novel DNA, the blockbuster waffle sole design that shaped running for decades, was adapted into subsequent models like the 1973 Oregon Waffle and 1975 Waffle Trainer, but the Moon Shoe was always sort of the “one that got away.”

Until now. Nike has officially confirmed its first-ever shoe is receiving a “first” of its own, getting reimagined and released as part of a collaboration with French fashion brand Jacquemus.

A pair of vintage yellow and black Nike soccer cleats hanging by their laces from a wooden horizontal bar, with an old dark brown leather soccer ball resting on the floor beneath the bar. The background is a plain, muted dark color.
The restyled silhouette blends sport nostalgia with the refinement of ballet styling.
Nike

The iconic Moon Shoe is about to be available for a new generation.

An icon returns

The revamped Moon Shoe is the fourth footwear collaboration between Nike, Simon Porte Jacquemus and his eponymous fashion brand.

Close-up of a red and white sneaker featuring white laces, a white leather swoosh, and a red suede overlay with perforations. The tongue has a white label with the brand name "JACQUEMUS" embroidered in black. The sole is off-white with a textured pattern.
The Jacquemus logo appears on the tongue, heel and sock liner.
Nike

Blending the original shoe’s racing history with a modern ballet aesthetic, the revised Moon Shoe shines in three classic colorways: the Jacquemus-exclusive Alabaster alongside Off Noir and University Red hues. Très chic.

Pair of red and white sneakers viewed from the back, featuring the brand name "JACQUEMUS" embossed on the red heel area. The soles are light brown with a textured grip pattern. The shoes have a loop on the heel for easy pull-on.
The Nike Grind outsole blends the silhouette’s racing origins with a modern ballet aesthetic.
Nike

Each version sports a gum Nike Grind outsole, paying homage to the style’s roots. The modern version includes a ballet-inspired ruched nylon upper and a low, torpedo-style design that reflects both Nike’s sport history and Jacquemus’s minimal aesthetic.

The new Moon Shoe includes a leather Swoosh and heel counter, as well as Jacquemus logos on the tongue, heel and sock liner.

Timeless style

The reimagining of the Moon Shoe couldn’t come at a better time. Although the silhouette is built on an icon that was first conceptualized in the 1970s, slim, low-profile sneakers are currently seeing a huge increase in popularity, and the Moon Shoe’s flat aesthetic is right on trend.

Pair of red Nike sneakers with white swoosh logos and white laces hanging by their laces over wooden bars against a dark background.
The ballet influence brings a sense of refinement to the modern Moon Shoe.
Nike

With its minimal profile and timeless colorways, the new Moon Shoe is sure to be a hit, even without considering its built-in street cred.

Availability and pricing

The Moon Shoe’s comeback was first teased in January 2025 on the runway, and this week, the brand announced the restyled silhouette will be hitting proverbial shelves within a few days.

Nike has officially confirmed that Jacquemus’ Moon Shoe collection will launch on Sept. 29 at Jacquemus.com for $180 a pair, followed by a wider drop on Oct. 6 via SNKRS and at select retailers. 

About the Author:

Hayley Helms is an associate editor at Gear Patrol specializing in all things outdoors. Once upon a time, she wrote for Men’s Journal, Gearjunkie, and Shape. Whether it’s tuning us into the joys of hiking and camping, or rigorously testing head-to-toe outdoor apparel, she leaves no stone unturned (though she always Leaves No Trace).

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