The Nike Vaporfly 4 Honors Steve Prefontaine's Pre Montreal Track Spikes from 1975

Before Nike, Inc. became Nike Inc., it was a tight-knit operation known as Blue Ribbon Sports. Based in Eugene, Ore., the company began as an importer of Japanese athletic footwear before focusing on its own line of products. Bill Bowerman's vision helped revolutionize the world of running, producing track spikes and road runners like the Pre Montreal and Cortez. The former has inspired a newly-surfaced pair of the modern VaporFly 4 marathon racer.

Images acquired by Elden Monitors showcase the ZoomX-cushioned, carbon fiber plate-assisted road racer with printed-on graphics on its engineered mesh upper. While eyebrow-raising at first glance, a bit of history reveals the inspiration behind the design choice.

In the lead up to the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal, there was one name that excited folks across the U.S. like no other: Steve Prefontaine.

Dubbed "America's Distance Prodigy" by Sports Illustrated in 1970, the Oregonian embodied everything Phil Knight and Bowerman wanted for their running-focused brand. Nike, Inc. itself has described Prefontaine with the following message: "competitive fire, gutsy race tactics and inherent charisma that charmed crowds and inspired up-and-coming runners."

Bowerman worked with the running prodigy both while he attended the University of Oregon and after, developing competitive track spikes in the process. One such experiment ended up being the Pre Montreal, a lightweight, low-to-the-ground shoe constructed from nylon and suede. It's the set of spikes Prefontaine was scheduled to compete in during the Montreal-based Games, and only model to bear his name. Sadly, the charismatic runner wasn't able to lace it up in the '76 Olympics as he passed away in a car accident on May 30, 1975.

Throughout the years, the Swoosh conglomerate has commemorated both Prefontaine and the Pre Montreal through numerous product offerings. The newly-surfaced VaporFly 4, however, is arguably the most fitting tribute to date as it aligns with Bowerman's three principles for any shoe: "It must be light, comfortable, and it’s got to go the distance."

Akin to the Pegasus LV8 collection inspired by 2003's Mayfly, Nike Racing's latest offering borrows a predecessor's upper design for its own. The result is a mesh top-half that also dons a split blue-and-red color scheme. Nike branding on the tongue also opts for an old school touch, while part of the ZoomX midsole enjoys a faux-aged finish that harkens back to the '70s.

Enjoy detailed shots of the Pre Montreal-inspired racer ahead—courtesy of size? from the United Kingdom. Stay tuned for firm Nike.com release details and photos.

For more running footwear, check out the Adidas Adizero line.