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Nike’s Stealthy, Premium Remaster of a Forgotten Classic Is Long Overdue

The brand looks hell-bent on making sure this retro runner lives up to its potential as one of the greats.

Close-up of black sneaker with woven fabric and suede details, showing laces and stitching.Nike
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By Jack Seemer

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The Pre Montreal had all the components to become an all-time classic: famous name, historic construction (it was the first racing spike without seams or stitching around the toebox) and an iconic win.

On May 29, 1975, the late Steve Prefontaine wore a pair in what would become his final race, mere hours before a fatal car accident.

Now Nike seems hell-bent on making sure it lives up to its potential as one of the greats.

Pair of black Nike sneakers with textured fabric, leather swoosh, white midsoles, and gum rubber outsoles.
The Pre Montreal Premium remasters the old-school track spikes for everyday wear.
Nike

The Pre Montreal Premium is a modern interpretation of the old-school spikes, remastered for everyday wear.

The shoe build off a platform introduced in 2017, featuring a mixed-material upper with retro suede panels.

Close-up of black Nike sneaker with suede and mesh upper, black leather swoosh, white midsole, and gum rubber outsole.
The original Pre Montreal was historic for its stitchless toebox.
Nike
Close-up of black sneaker with textured fabric, leather accents, white midsole, and gum rubber outsole with hexagonal tread.
Nylon makes way for a textile underlay, which elevates the overall look.
Nike

Only here, sporty nylon makes way for textile underlays, added a softness that elevates a new triple-black aesthetic.

For good measure, Nike also gave the shoe its enduring Waffle outsole designed by Pre’s coach, Bill Bowerman.

But reworked in brown rubber, it separates the Pre Montreal Premium from most other retro Nike shoes.

Gum rubber outsole with square studs and US patent number embossed in the center.
The Waffle outsole features here in a rare brown hue.
Nike
Pair of black Nike sneakers with white midsoles and gum rubber outsoles shown from the back.
A triple-black colorway completes the premium redux.
Nike

Availability and pricing

The Pre Montreal Premium is currently only available overseas with a US launch expected in the coming weeks.

In addition to a triple-black colorway, it also comes in lighter hue called “Pale Grey.” A price tag of 13,750 Japanese yen suggests a retail price around the $100 mark.

About the Author:

Jack Seemer is the executive editor at Gear Patrol, with over a decade of experience in product journalism. He currently reports on a wide range of topics, including footwear, watches, EDC, cookware and more.

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