Jacquemus To Help Nike Revive Its Iconic Waffle Racer with 'JacuMoon Shoe' Collaboration

The partnership between French label Jacquemus and Nike hasn't seen the mainstream success of collaborations with the likes of Travis Scott, but it's gradually accumulated an impressive catalog. During last month's Paris Fashion Week, Simon Porte Jacquemus unveiled one of his next projects with the Swoosh: three elevated takes on the iconic Nike Waffle Racer.

Widely-dubbed the Nike Moon Shoe, the silhouette is the prototypical Nike shoe. A vintage pair recently fetched a staggering $437,500 at a Sotheby's auction. While a steep amount to pay for any footwear product, the decades-old 'Moon Shoe' forms part of an industry-changing history; Nike co-founder Bill Bowerman created the model's waffle-patterned outsole using his wife's waffle-maker back in the early 1970s. The pair that sold was one of 12 and is the only known pair to have never been worn.

“Note”Nike Waffle Racer (1972). Photo via Sotheby's.

If you look at silhouettes like the original Pegasus and Tailwind, Bowerman's design laid the blueprint for some of the Swoosh's earliest success in running. Modern-day proposals from Nike Running also nod to the yesteryear's Waffle Racers – including the VaporFly 3 and Pegasus Premium.

The Oregon-based company has previously revisited aspects of its important 'Moon Shoe,' allowing collaborators like sacai to help new audiences become acquainted with its earliest design language. Yet, the original waffle-soled silhouette has never gotten a proper, standalone retro. Jacquemus' collaboration promises to deliver Bowerman's vision through a fashionable lens, but the sneaker should also form part of Nike's mainline of products.

According to information sourced by Romania's Sneaker Market, Jacquemus is set to release three colorways of the Nike 'Moon Shoe': 'Alabaster/Off Noir/Soft Pearl/Hydrogen Blue/Gum Medium Brown/Storm Blue'; 'Off Noir/Cashmere/Gum Light Brown/Neptune Green/Storm Blue/Hydrogen Blue; and 'University Red/Cashmere/Bicycle Yellow/Gum Light Brown/Storm Blue/Hydrogen Blue.' The trio is expected to land before the Holiday 2025 season. An on-foot look on the runway suggests at least one of Jacquemus' JacuMoon Shoe collaborations will closely resemble the vintage pair that recently sold at auction. As with other pairs from the burgeoning partnership, shimmering metallic branding and special packaging should round out the elevated styles.

An apparel and accessories collection should also drop alongside the shoes.

It's possible the North American sportswear juggernaut allows other partners to reimagine the Waffle Racer as well. Jacquemus' presence in the high-fashion world – especially amongst women in major cities – makes the French label a perfect partner for the model's revival given stiff competition in the old school, low-top trainer space.

Firm Nike SNKRS app release details have yet to be confirmed and disclosed by either party involved, but expect that to change throughout summer. The elevated takes on Nike's 'Moon Shoe' should retail for upwards of $140.

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