The Nike Air Zoom Tempo NEXT% “Blue Ribbon Sports” Remembers Nike’s First Boston Marathon Victory

Though Nike’s running division has its sights firmly set on the future, it often stops to take a look back at how far it’s come. From the early Prefontaine days to the modern trainers like the NEXT%, the brand has come a long, long way. This next-up Nike Air Zoom Tempo NEXT% “Blue Ribbon Sports” remembers that — but not only by name.

Of course, any long-standing Nike fan will know that BRS was the initial name for the brand, to which this pair lends both its name and color scheme, but it also shares a story of the brand’s first-ever win at the Boston marathon back in 1975. Back then, Boston college graduate Bill Rodgers took out the world-renowned race in a brand new pair of Nike’s that he scored from legendary runner Steve Prefontaine the week prior. He called them “Magic Shoes” — and the numbers proved that. His 2:09:55 was a course and American record, and one of the pivotal moments in Nike’s forward push into running and eventually, all of sports.

Here, it’s remembered on the insoles, with a racing bib-like design that reads “BOSTON ’75” that, when paired alongside the retro BRS color scheme and heritage Nike branding at the insole and aglet, takes us way back to the mid-1970s. Juxtaposed to this is the high-tech Zoom Air in the forefoot and woven upper, ultra-thin gum rubber outsole, and extremely lightweight construction.

An official release date for the new Nike Air Zoom Tempo NEXT% “Blue Ribbon Sports” has not yet been set, but you should expect it to sneak into select retailers and Nike.com soon. As always, keep your eyes glued to our official Twitter account for further updates. Until then, enjoy a detailed look at the pair here below.

Nike Air Zoom Tempo NEXT% “Blue Ribbon Sports”

Release Date: 2022

Style Code: DV2147-400
Retail: $200