Release Update: The Social Status-Exclusive Nike Waffle One

Marking the global debut of Nike’s brand new Waffle One silhouette, Social Status will be releasing a Whitaker Group exclusive colourway limited to just 500 individually numbered pairs!

We first saw the Waffle One surface at the beginning of this year, covered in ‘ Active Fuchsia’. The clear inspiration for the silhouette was the iconic OG Waffle-soled shoes created by the legendary Nike co-founder Bill Bowerman with an actual waffle iron. For the Social Status exclusive edition, they’ve added modernised touches, with subtle vintage-inspired details. The colourway was curated by designer Frank Cooker, while artist PELNYC created specialised shoe-box paper telling the story of Bowerman’s Waffle sole discovery.

While the Waffle One silhouette looks like a modernised take on a timeless classic with iconic, immutable Team Swoosh sole unit tech, it also boasts a look that resembles a vintage sneaker. The most obvious change is the midsole, which has been pre-yellowed. Elsewhere, the laces give off a rustic feel, and the heel clip has a tonal vibe. The mesh underlays, high-tech material, and multiple mini Swooshes bring this bad boy up to 2021.

We’re sure that many of you are looking to get your hands on the debut pair of Nike Waffle Ones. Exclusive to Social Status, the release date was originally slated for February 26, but that has been pushed back due to the severe weather that’s caused food and water shortages for many people in Houston. The delayed release will allow those who are entering the raffle the option to donate to help build up the community.

James Whitner, owner of the Whitaker Group, said: ‘I’m sure there are people who are disappointed we are changing this launch, but that disappointment can’t match how Black and
Brown people in Houston are coping without power and water – in the midst of a year-long pandemic. Our team in Houston is deeply affected. This is bigger than sneakers and fashion, this is about showing up where it’s most needed.’

This charitable initiative will be headed up by the Whitaker Group’s non-profit branch.