This Nike Roshe Run review delves into the history behind the iconic sneaker. What is it about the Nike Roshe’s that made it so beloved? Was it the simple design? The soft massaging footbed? The great value? All of the above? Typically known for cutting edge technology, it’s kind of wild looking back to see how popular the Roshe’s were for Nike. There was no AIR, or SHOX, or really much of any cushioning for that matter in the Roshe. It was just a plain, simple, understated sneaker that worked perfectly for what it was meant to be.
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Nike Roshe Run Review
When it first dropped in 2012, the Roshe was the definition of versatility. It was one of those sneakers that everyone had – whether you were a 15-year-old kid in Queens, NY, or a 42-year-old dad in Bloomfield, Indiana. Personally, I owned two pairs, and I remember exactly where I bought them. I copped a black/grey camo pair at the Niketown in Chicago and the “Sprite” colorway at 21 Mercer in SoHo. My wife also owns a simple black Roshe with a white Swoosh. It really was the Nike sneaker everyone owned.
Multi-Functional Sneaker
The Roshe was so easy to wear – it wasn’t bulky, and there was barely any cushioning, yet they felt cozy and comfortable the moment you first slipped them on. For many, they became the go-to everyday sneaker. They also matched well with so many different styles. Roshe’s were truly the ultimate multi-functional sneaker.
Roshe’s Minimalist Design for All Foot Types
Designed by Dylan Raash, the Roshe featured an incredibly minimalistic design that worked perfectly for all types of feet. Part of the minimalist runner movement, the sneaker was inspired by a Buddhist zen master called a ‘Roshi’. The simple outsole design resembled stones in a Japanese rock garden. It felt lighter than the Nike Free running sneakers, and was also a better value.
There were originally two primary designs: the Roshe Run and the Roshe Run FB. Starting at just $70, they were incredibly affordable yet stylish. I remember wearing my pairs on a daily basis – both for walking around in, rocking at the gym, and going on short 2-3 mile runs in them. They also came out in a Flyknit version, which in my opinion inspired Kanye West’s Yeezy Boost.
The Roshe’s Floodgates Opened
At first, the colorways for Roshe’s were fairly tame. Then, more colorful models came out. Some of the popular colorways were the “Iguana” and “Futbol” Pack, along with the Sprite and Yeezy-inspired FB colors. As each colorway dropped and was well received by sneakerheads, the floodgates opened. Soon, there were all kinds of different Roshes coming out. There was a flyknit version and a sneakerboot version. There were golf cleats, leopard print Roshes, all-white, all-black, Fragment Roshes, Cortez Roshes, Pendleton Roshes, and polka dot Roshes. If you could think of it, there was a Roshe for you.
A Decade of Roshe’s
Next year will be the 10-year anniversary of the Roshe. From what I’ve heard, Nike will not be doing anything special for that moment, but it would definitely be cool to see some more Roshes come out. In the meantime, you can find plenty of deadstock Roshe sneakers on apps like eBay, GOAT, and StockX, ranging from $35 for the common ones to $300-$500 for the rarer, more popular colorways.
If you’ve never owned a pair of Roshes, I highly recommend purchasing a pair or two. Keep in mind that they fit a bit small for me, so I sized up .5. In my opinion, when we look back 20 years from now, there could most certainly be a Roshe revival – especially because they are so cheap for Nike to make. Why wouldn’t they bring them back again and again?
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