The Nike Moon Shoe OG SP in Sail / Light Bone / Chlorophyll brings Nike’s very first shoe back as a women’s release — off-white with a touch of green, and a story that dates back to 1972. There are retro releases, and then there’s this: a reissue of the model that started it all.
The waffle iron story
The original Moon Shoe was handmade in the early seventies by Bill Bowerman, Nike co-founder and running coach, who shaped the sole’s tread using the waffle iron in his own kitchen. Only a handful still exist; original pairs are museum pieces that fetch record sums at auction. The name comes from the footprints the sole left behind — they were reminiscent of astronauts’ footprints on the moon. The fact that a piece of history like this is now simply available in stores as a women’s release is, honestly, my favorite sneaker news of the month.
How it wears today
The OG SP release stays close to the original look: a simple, low-profile runner in Sail and Light Bone, with Chlorophyll green accents and that distinctive waffle tread underneath. No thick cushioning, no modern extras — this is intentionally a straightforward shoe. That’s exactly what makes it so easy to wear: it looks soft and vintage with jeans, linen trousers, or a summer dress, while the green adds a little more character than a standard white sneaker.
Setting expectations
If you’re expecting the comfort of a modern sole, it’s best to see this pair for what it is: a historic design that’s light and thin. Perfectly fine for everyday city wear, less so for long days on your feet. The fit is true to size, so your usual size should be fine. And it’s a light colorway — a protective spray wouldn’t be a bad idea.
Would I wear it myself?
Yes. Not despite its simplicity, but because of it. You’re wearing the beginning of a global brand on your feet, and that story speaks for itself. My colleague Dorine will be taking a look at the Italy Blue version arriving at the end of July — together, they make a great duo.
The Moon Shoe OG SP “Chlorophyll” releases from July 17 [sz_price_from stylecode=”II0407-102″] — take your time comparing sizes and stores; history isn’t going anywhere, but popular sizes are.