When the news hit of a new Nike Zoom Air Collection, I know that I was not alone when I rushed to see if some of my favorites from back in the day were going to come back. While Nike continues year after year to bring out some great Zoom Air runners, let’s take a moment to stroll down memory lane and relive five Nike Zoom runners we’d like to have another shot at.
Nike Air Zoom Alpha
It all had to start somewhere. When the Nike Air Zoom Alpha first released in 1996, it was, like the name suggests, first Nike running shoe to feature the new cushioning tech – Nike Zoom Air. While Nike Air Max was going to full length and big bubble Air, the Nike Zoom Alpha provided a low-riding and lighter-weight alternative. Sadly, there is no word of the Alpha returning in the near future, but never say never!
Nike Air Zoom Talaria
A shoe with its own colorway. The Talaria was anything but subtle in its lead colorway with a predominantly neon upper and just as the eye-catching outsole. The colorway has returned a number of times inspiring everything from Air Force Ones to Sole Collector F&Fs. The Talaria has returned a few times in a trail-running-boot form, but never a true retro. It’s about time.
Nike Air Zoom JST
Atlanta ’96 Olympic Games were HUGE for Nike. Despite not having the official endorsement sponsorship for the US Olympic squad, Nike products were at the center of many epic sports moments in the last Summer Games to be hosted in the US. One of which was the multi-Gold Medal performances by Michael Johnson. Most notably were the all metallic gold spikes he wore and later threw out into the stands. Michael Johnson received his first and only signature running shoe made available to the masses with the Nike Air Zoom JST. The likelihood of seeing this one come back is about as great as Michael Johnson winning gold again (he’s 46 today).
Nike Air Zoom Spiridon
The Nike Air Zoom Spiridon was the complete 180 from the Nike Air Max 97 despite sharing similar lines, color pallet, and purpose. In 1997, Nike offered for the first time a full-length Nike Air Max cushioned runner while also going in the opposite direction with a lightweight, breathable, and low-to-the-ground riding runner. The Spiridons have returned as a retro, but it has been a number of years and time to end the drought.
Nike Air Zoom Citizen
The Nike Air Zoom Citizen was in a league of its own as one the few runners that made it into the Nike Alpha Project lineup. Aesthetically, the shoe was far ahead of the pack with everything from multiple panels of different materials, reflective mesh, unorthodox branding. The ride was absolutely amazing with Zoom Air in the heel and visible Zoom Air in the forefoot. Lastly, with dual density midsole, the shoe provided just the right amount of pronation protection. Finish it all off with BRS 2000 rubber and you have the ultimate runner ready for the road. Nike, please, bring this one back.
