Nike Spiridon

Spiridon

In the late 90s, Nike evolved its cushioning with the introduction of springy Zoom Air. As the brand optimised the technology, new designs were created, including an avant garde running shoe called the Nike Spiridon.

The Spiridon’s upper features a two-tiered construction with a sizable mudguard and a layer of mesh backed by more airy textiles over the top of the foot. Breathable and lightweight, it includes pull tabs on the heel and tongue for easy on and off alongside reflective elements for a practical touch. Textile eyelets combine with a strip of material through the centre of the mesh tongue to support the laces, providing a secure fit.

The Nike Spiridon is defined by its bold sole unit, which comprises a full-length layer of soft foam over responsive Zoom Air for enhanced comfort. Technically, the Zoom Air resides in the outsole, placing it closer to the ground for maximum bounce. The outsole itself incorporates a futuristic-looking tread of oval-shaped grip pads whose varying sizes produce dependable traction.

The Spiridon has the classic look of a Y2K mesh runner, with eye-catching sidewall Swooshes outlined by thick embroidery and a smaller logo on the lateral toe. The curvaceous design lines of its stylish upper are reflected in the topographical exterior of its midsole, which undulates smoothly towards the heel. These elements gave the original an exhilarating aesthetic, while its modern reissue is a fitting addition to the retro mesh runner trend.

Since 1997, the Nike Air Zoom Spiridon has returned several times, firstly in 2005 and again in 2016. This second rerelease reinvigorated the series, and in the years that followed, popular collaborations with graffiti writer Stash and Dutch artist Parra helped raise the profile of the general release colourways.

In 2020, Nike brought back the successor to the 1997 silhouette: 2003’s Spiridon Cage 2. This audacious follow-up features visible Zoom Air encompassed in a striking heel cage – something which was structurally impractical on the original – and a dynamic upper with mesh and perforated leather panelling divided by energetic curving overlays. The return of this eccentric sneaker was aided by a collaboration with Stüssy that was showcased on social media by American rapper Travis Scott, further boosting its fashion appeal.

Nike reintroduced the Spiridon OG in 2024, bringing back the classic ‘Silver Red’ colourway and working with Hiroshi Fujiwara’s Fragment Design to craft a duo of powerful sneakers. The Cage 2 also returned before apparel brand Undefeated designed three classic Spiridons with sleek, glossy Swooshes. During this time, the Nike Spiridon became so influential that Travis Scott used its midsole as inspiration for his new Zoom Field Jaxx silhouette in early 2025.

The Nike Spiridon is intimately connected to the brand’s sporting and technological heritage, having been one of the pioneers of its now-ubiquitous Zoom Air technology. Today, this makes it a comfortable shoe for all-day wear, while its classy vintage aesthetic promises the wearer an effortlessly stylish look.