Originally released in 1979, the Nike Challenger — a contemporary of the more well-known Tailwind and Daybreak models — helped to redefine comfort and fit for runners with its innovative zigzag pattern, variable-width system and lacing. The silhouette returns for 2020, and is modeled after an original Challenger pattern order from Blue Ribbon Sports. 

“We’ve been on a great journey with Waffle models for the past couple of years,” says Rory Fraser, Nike Senior Global Product Manager. “After re-releasing the Tailwind OG, Waffle Racer and Daybreak, we wanted to follow up with a model from the same era, but with a slightly different upper construction. The Challenger has more splits and panels, allowing us to play around with material and color in a slightly new way — and providing fans of the classics with something different to add to their closets.”

While the styling remains true to the original Challenger (note the strikingly effective combination of nylon, suede and mesh on the upper), the heel has been widened for a more comfortable fit. A red and blue colorway incorporates a yellow midsole to intentionally provide a heritage look and feel, and a cream and sail and a black and blue rendition serve as new colorways for the classic.