Controversy is nothing new for Nike. The business accepts it, for better or worse.
An internal memo titled “Principles” was distributed early in Nike’s history by Rob Strasser, the company’s director of marketing at the time. Third on the list: “It’s not a perfect process that counts, but perfect results.” Disobey the law and oppose it.
Given that Nike is now re-releasing the LD-1000 from 1977, first with longtime partner Stüssy and then as a mainline sneaker, according to Leakers, it would be quite fitting for the company to revisit one of its most contentious sneakers.
Heel rotation
Upon initial observation, the LD-1000 appears to be a standard retro runner, complete with Bill Bowerman’s now-famous waffle sole developed by Nike. However, up close, its distinguishing characteristic becomes apparent: a sharply flared heel that was first intended to reduce knee pressure and torque.
It turns out that for runners, the heel had the opposite impact. “If a runner didn’t land just right, the flared heel could cause pronation, knee problems, or worse,” Nike founder Phil Knight writes in his biography Shoe Dog, recalling the LD-1000’s shortcomings.
As per Knight, the issue was so severe that Nike had to recall the shoe, which caused Bowerman to experience a downturn even though the public responded positively to it.
“Our efforts, whether successful or not, were seen as noble since no other shoe company was trying new things,” the author states. Innovation in general was praised for being innovative and forward-thinking.
The LD-1000 enters a new age
Nike has attempted to bring the LD-1000 back before, despite the current reissues being noticeably more authentic in terms of both spirit and appearance.
The firm and well-known designer Hiroshi Fujiwara collaborated in 2014 to fuse the LD-1000 upper with the Roshe Run sole, which was brand-new at the time. The problematic heel, as shown on the new 2024 versions, was absent, though.
Various sites claim that Stüssy and Nike have committed to four colorways of the LD-1000 together: Phantom (white and blue), Action Green (lime and black), Sanded Gold (yellow and pink), and Green Spark (gray and green).
Later this year, the LD-1000 will also be available in a more subdued Vintage Green colorway, according to Sneaker News.
Given that ardent sneakerheads are driven to all things elusive, their turbulent past shouldn’t dissuade them in the slightest. Almost immediately after their introduction, the first two colorways of the Stüssy and Nike collaboration sold out. There will soon be a refill.
The re-release of the LD-1000, a shoe steeped in controversy and innovation, showcases Nike’s enduring commitment to pushing boundaries and embracing its storied past. By revisiting one of its most contentious designs with modern updates and high-profile collaborations, Nike reaffirms its legacy of daring creativity and forward-thinking in the sneaker world.
Despite its troubled history, the renewed interest and swift sellouts of the new colorways highlight the enduring allure of Nike’s bold ventures, ensuring the LD-1000’s place in sneaker culture history.
(Tashia Bernardus)