FOR SALE - 1972 Nike Pair of "Moon Shoes" Worn By Thomas McChesney Including ‘71-‘73 University of Oregon Full Track Set (8 Total Pieces) Belonged To Teammates of Steve Prefontaine

Another pair of the world’s most expensive shoes comes up for sale. 

In July 2019, Canadian collector and businessman Miles Nadal, bought a pair of 1972 Nike Waffle Racing flats known as the "Moon Shoe" for the princely sum of $437,500 (£350,395)! If anyone else fancies a pair, Shoeguide are aware of another pair coming up for sale in an amazing lot.

The lot includes a pair of the 1972 "Moon Shoes" worn by Oregon athlete Thomas McChesney, and a full set of ‘71-‘73 University of Oregon track clothing set that belonged to running legend, Steve Prefontaine

One of only a handful of pairs known to exist. The 1972 Nike "Moon Shoe" is handmade and designed by Nike co-founder and legendary Oregon University track coach Bill Bowerman.

Bowerman was first inspired to create the innovative quilted-sole traction pattern found on the brand’s early running shoes by tinkering with his wife’s waffle iron and pouring rubber into the mold to create the first prototype of the sole.

When athletes wore the Waffle Racing flats, they left a set of unique mark on the ground, resembling an astronaut's moon print which is how the shoe got its nickname.

The full story of the “Moon Shoe” and this particular pair can be found here. Tom McChesney became the first athlete to win a cross country race in moon shoes, he would later go on to win the OSAA State Championship in them. In late 1972/early 1973, a blue upper moon shoe was created and made available for the public. In all about 50 pairs of moon shoes were made, even less exist today. The moon shoes would later become Oregon waffle which sold from 1973-1979.

So, if you fancy owning a pair of the world’s most expensive trainers and Steve Prefontaine’s running kit, you now know where to find them. You might just need to sell your house to afford them, I know I would… Happy bidding!