# Throwback Waffle Trainers The New 'Lebron 15' Pays Tribute to Nike's Original Shoe By Zane Rosenberg-Pach | Published 2018-02-02 | Pop Culture Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nike-lebron-15 References: [gq](https://www.gq.com/story/nike-lebron-15-waffle-trainer) & [nike](https://www.nike.com/language_tunnel) The design of the newly released '[Nike](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/waffle-dunk) Lebron 15' shoe pays tribute to Nike's first ever shoe. That shoe was called the Waffle Trainer. In 1973, Nike co-founder Bill Bowerman molded rubber into his wife's waffle iron, thus discovering a way of making track spikes without the spikes. Bowerman's innovation led to the design for Nike's first shoe. Nike recently launched a new initiative called "Lebron Watch," which refers to James showcasing [new limited-edition styles of the Lebron 15](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lebron-xxii) on the court. The design of the Nike Lebron 15 combines new technology and a sleek modern look, with design elements of the original Waffle Trainer. The white midsole and the printed tag give the shoe a distinctly vintage feel. Fans should keep an eye out as Nike has plans to release more [retro-inspired kicks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nike-v2k-run) in the coming months. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.1/10 - Popularity: 81% | Activity: 64% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/popculture) > [Celeb Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/celebfashion) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Retro-inspired Sneakers:** The growing popularity of retro-inspired sneakers presents an opportunity for brands to tap into nostalgia and create innovative designs. - **Limited-edition Releases:** The trend of limited-edition sneaker releases creates a sense of exclusivity and drives consumer demand for new styles. - **Integration of Old and New:** The fusion of classic design elements with modern technology allows brands to create innovative and unique sneakers that appeal to both vintage and contemporary consumers. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Footwear:** The footwear industry can leverage the trend of retro-inspired sneakers to create new product lines that appeal to nostalgic consumers. - **Fashion:** The fashion industry can collaborate with sneaker brands to incorporate retro-inspired sneakers into runway collections and streetwear trends. - **Design:** The design industry can assist sneaker brands in creating new and unique designs that combine elements of the past with the latest technology and materials. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Waffle-Inspired Gridded Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/waffle-dunk.md) - [Athlete-Backed Sports Training Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tr1.md) - [Classic Technical Running Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-max-waffle.md) - [Hybrid Retooled Lifestyle Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-waffle-racer.md) - [Vibrant Technical Running Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nike-air-max-waffle.md) - [Athlete-Honoring Lifestyle Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/linen-edition.md) - [Retro-Tinged Revived Football Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/field-general-sneaker.md) - [Candy-Themed Tonal Basketball Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lebron-xxii.md) - [Monochromatic Relaunched Basketball Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reverse-metallic.md)