Steve Prefontaine’s Nike Oregon Waffle shoes sell for $163,800 USD

Nike Oregon Waffle Shoes for distance runners Steve Prefontaine Sold on an auction site for US$163,800. Sotheby’s.com.

These Oregon Waffle Sneakers are men’s size 9.5 with original laces and blue insoles and were worn and owned by Prefontaine. This sneaker is finished with a nylon upper in the University of Oregon’s signature yellow and green color scheme. Prefontaine is widely considered the greatest US runner of all time.

The Waffle Pattern was developed by an Oregon track and field coach and co-founder of Nike. Bill Bowerman.

These were the first pair of Pre’s shoes to be sold publicly, and are notable given the lasting influence he has had on Nike, the world’s most iconic sneaker company.

Prefontaine was the first runner signed by Nike to launch the brand as a running shoe company.

The shoe auction began on September 6, with bids starting at $100,000.

From 1969 to the mid-1970s, Pre dominated the sport, setting eight NCAA records while attending the University of Oregon and competing in the 5,000 m at the 1972 Munich Olympics. In 1975, Prefontaine died in a car accident in Eugene, Oregon.

Auction winners will get a unique running history. Year after year, Prefontaine’s career and life Prefontaine ClassicPaying tribute to him at the world class Diamond League track event at Hayward Field in Eugene.