Nike’s Oldest Sneaker Thrives in the Gray Area

Double Tap to ZoomSneakersNike’s Grayed-Out Moon Shoe Doesn’t See It Black & WhiteCool sneaker discourse is far from a black-and-white conversation. In fact, some of the most fun sneaker happenings take place in the gray area. Nike takes this in the most literal sense with the "Pencil Point/Grey Fog" Mood shoe, a grayed-out iteration of the Nike sneaker that started it all. No seriously. Before the Air Jordan 1 redefined sneaker culture as we know it, before the AF1 became hip-hop's favorite shoe, before Nike was even Nike, the Moon Shoe laid the groundwork for the Swoosh's existing legacy.Back before Nike had one of the largest industrial systems in the sneaker ecosystem, Bill Bowerman made the Moon Shoe, Nike's first-ever shoe, with a waffle iron. Your Highsnobiety privacy settings have blocked this Instagram post.Yes, he made the shoe that started Nike's empire with a literal waffle iron in his kitchen. Vintage Nike was literally cooking.Your Highsnobiety privacy settings have blocked this Instagram post.Now, 55 years later, the Moon Shoe is back and better. While the classic shoe is no longer made in the kitchen, the classic hallmarks are still there. This includes the rubber Waffle outsole and an homage to the crater-inspired makings of the OG sneaker, kitted with some durable traction that enhances the heritage vibrazione baked deeply into the sneaker.Highsnobiety has affiliate marketing partnerships, which means we may receive a commission from your purchase. Want to shop the products our editors actually love? Visit HS Shopping for recs on all things fashion, footwear, and beauty.We RecommendNike’s Angular Air Force 1 Is a Stylish SquareNike’s Air Jordan 1 Retro High Og Royal Makes Its Grand ReturnNike’s Oceanic Air Force 1 Sneaker Blue It in a Good WayNike’s Take on a Hiking Boot Has City Slicker Written All Over ItNike’s Dadcore Sneaker Wears Good Workwear "Jeans"What To Read NextThis Just In: Wool Shirts Are HotNike’s Oldest Sneaker Thrives in the Gray AreaThe PIFT Class of 2026 Has Something To Show YouInside the "Penitentiary Polo" Era of Ralph's Biggest Fans (EXCLUSIVE)Burton Is Dumping 50 Years of Wearable Snowboard History on DepopBottega Just Broke Its Vow Of Instagram Silence