Nike Shox

In 2001, Nike introduced the world to a revolutionary, new technology called Nike Shox. It was hailed as the most advanced technology to date with it’s columns of high durability foam and spring plates, but the birth of Nike Shox shoes actually began nearly twenty years prior.

1984

The first Shox prototype is inspired by an exceptionally springy indoor running track at Harvard. The prototype looked more like a medieval torture device called The Boot (this device was used during the Spanish Inquisition to extract information and confessions) and performed much the same way. This first Shox prototype was used to find the optimal spring rate, but it’s clumsy and heavy metal frame did nothing to improve performance.

1984-1986

Based on the information extracted from its predecessor, the section prototype of the Nike Shox line was a scaled down, more stable shoe using a leaf shaped spring to provide the optimal spring of the first unit. Easier on the eyes with good cushioning, it lacked stability and durability.

1986

The third attempt at Shox produced a simpler, and more attractive cushioning system utilizing a closed leaf shaped spring, but still disappointed in durability, comfort, and stability.

1987

The next generation of Shox prototype attempted to solve the problem of durability and stability by replacing the closed leaf spring with a hinged carbon fiber shell, creating a something that looked like a running shoe on a diving board. This breed of spring failed completely to provide enough resistance on impact.

1990

A few years later, and still a decade from launching the Shox shoe line, Nike test the first shoes that is a recognizable ancestor of the modern Shox shoes. By integrating the stability of the spring plate from the previous designs with injection-molded support columns, Nike finally made progress in the creation of Shox technology.

1997-1998

New, high tech, high durability materials make the leaf spring obsolete and bring about the current form for Nike Shox: four cushioning columns between two resilient plates. The results is an effective cushioning system with a high energy return.

2001

Nike releases the first Shox based shoe.

2004

The release of two popular Shox basketball shoes, the Nike Shox Explosive and the Nike Shox Elevate. The Shox VC IV, Shox signature shoe for Vince Carter, is also released.