As one of Nike’s most iconic designs, the Shox is recharged and ready for a resurgence.
What started as a cushioning concept in the ‘80s finally dropped in 2000. Since then, the Nike Shox has become a basketball legacy and a streetwear icon.
Need to know more? Get the lowdown on all things Shox right here.
Back To The Beginning
In 1984, Air Force 1 designer Bruce Kilgore came up with the idea of using mechanical cushioning in running shoes. It took 16 years of development in the vault, creating prototypes and tweaking the tech.
Then, in the year 2000, the first Nike Shox hit the shelves. The Shox R4 was created for pushing PB’s and pounding pavements, as the four hollow columns under the heel absorb impact and shock. Over the coming years, the R4 lineage would evolve, with more silhouettes joining the fam.
In ‘03, Nike extended the Shox technology underneath the entire foot with the introduction of the Shox TL, for ‘total’. Total comfort, total absorption, total style. Delivering a bold, standout look on the streets, the Shox TL became a big fan favourite in the sneaker community and synonymous with the urban grime scene. Now, the silhouette is only getting bigger, gearing up for a huge year in 2025 with fresh colourways dropping at JD.
Nike Shox Technology: Need To Know
The Nike Shox silhouette is known for its technical cushioning system, using innovative pillars that eat up the impact when you strike down, and spring back for even more power in your step.
While standard sneaker cushioning allows energy to escape through the sides of your heel, the Shox Pillars collapse towards the centre of the plastic plate underfoot for a super-springy ride.
Originally, the Shox R4 had four columns under the heel to cushion your step, while the Shox TL features 12 pillars that cushion your entire foot.
How To Style Nike Shox
After low-profile silhouettes have had some time in the spotlight, Nike’s Shox is a bold choice for your rotation to add an extra dose of attitude.
Despite their established reputation from back in the noughties, a new generation are discovering the Nike Shox. After a collaboration with Martine Rose in 2023, these treads have been creeping back up in popularity ever since, as the fashion girlies and streetwear fans pick up on the hype.
With a retro, throwback feel to them and an air of futuristic style, the Shox is a statement shoe to take your rotation up off the ground.
Wear them with baggy denim jeans or cargos for that OG, early ‘00s feel, paired with a tees, low rise shorts, cosy hoodie, or puffer jacket when you step out. Shox are big and bold, so make sure your ‘fit matches that energy.
Cop Your Pair
Get your hands on a legendary Swoosh style – shop the Nike Shox at JD right now.
