After slimming down the Air Rift, SKIMS is reaching way back into Nike's archive. Per Highsnobiety, the next NikeSKIMS sneaker is the Waffle Racer, the 52-year-old runner with the grippy waffle sole, done up to look like it's been in your closet since 1975.
The pairs mix nylon underlays with suede and leather accents, all given a worn-in finish, faded details and retro colorways. The navy pair shown pairs a cream Swoosh with a gum waffle outsole, which is about as "track meet in 1978" as it gets, with SKIMS branding added to keep it in the present.
Our take: Kim pre-distressing a vintage runner is very on brand, and honestly the navy-and-cream pair just looks right. The retro runner wave isn't slowing down, and this is one of the cleaner takes on it. Apparel hasn't been mentioned yet, but most NikeSKIMS drops have come with clothes, so stay tuned.
NikeSKIMS Waffle Racer
Colorways: three (reported)
Price: £131.99 at BSTN, about $177 (reported)
Release: November 10 at BSTN, other retailers expected around the same time (reported; US date and price TBA)
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Image via Highsnobiety / BSTN.
Sources: Highsnobiety (Nov 3, 2026).
