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If there’s one thing you can count on, it’s the fact that each year will bring a new “It” sneaker to the forefront — spearheaded by hype on social media, celebrity street-style sightings, and word-of-mouth recommendations from industry insiders to trust. While there are many takes on what the be-all and end-all sneaker style of 2025 is, Nike seems to dominate those opinions, what with its Cortez trainers and other lifestyle picks that fit squarely into today’s retro sneakers obsession. We’re here to turn your gaze towards a particular Nike shoe that’s about to achieve total supremacy in the zeitgeist, though: the LD-1000, launched as one of the brand’s first running shoes and now an indispensable part of every cool cat’s style arsenal.
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In case you haven’t had eyes on spring 2025’s designer collections, from Miu Miu (where color-blocked, retro runners were juxtaposed with feminine dresses) to Proenza Schouler (showcasing low-pro sneakers that were perfect matches for the models’ garb), throwback-inspired footwear styles are all the rage now. In other words, people are seeking out sneaker choices that are both comfortable and feature a slim silhouette capable of complimenting every OOTD under the sun. It’s especially impressive that the Nike LD-1000 sneaker has made such a comeback, seeing as how the 1977 release is one of the brand’s earliest (and also one of the original models to boast by-now-iconic waffle soles).
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Nike LD-1000 Sneaker
Price upon publish date of this article: $100
If there’s one must-have Nike sneaker priced under $100 (or just a tad more expensive) that needs to take up prime real estate on your shoe rack, it’s no doubt the LD-1000. That “LD” part of the shoe style name stands for “long distance,” which checks out considering Nike first engineered this shoe to be purely technical and fit for athletes. Its waffle sole was ideated by brand co-founder Bill Bowerman with help from tests on an actual waffle iron (yes, the one found in any kitchen). Besides the outsole’s high traction, it was initially made with a dramatic flair meant to eliminate pressure on the knees and running-related injuries, similar to how a curved stiletto is a more comfortable choice than a straight one and gives the wearer the feeling of being carried. “Announcing the first shoe made for your knees,” a Nike ad from the ’70s read, alongside a photo of the LD-1000 in the kind of color-happy design that continues to trend in 21st-century, model-off-duty ‘fits.
This design quirk went a bit too far, though, and Nike ended up recalling the shoe: making it with a just-right heel the second time around, albeit almost 50 years later. Proving the “once a classic, always a classic” theory, the lightweight Nike sneaker dropped again in 2024, with a breathable upper that was once more enriched by textures of mesh and suede.
The LD-1000’s rebirth was buzzy as is but made even more so in light of last year’s Nike collab with streetwear giant Stüssy on the shoe. In the attention-grabbing “Action Green” and the more wearable, soft-spoken “Phantom,” the sneaker was such a hit that it proceeded to fly off virtual and IRL shelves in a flash. This, in turn, inspired the brand partners to treat customers to more colors, in conjunction with an intentionally off-white midsole that harkened back to the shoe’s vintage status.
For those a bit intimidated by bright pops of neon green, there’s also Nike’s LD-1000 collaboration with UK-based sneaker retailer Size?, whose exclusive versions’ flax and burgundy shades might be subtle but still show their character with the help of tri-colored laces, a knit versus mesh upper, and glossy, patent-leather heel caps. In general, there’s no shortage of LD-1000 options on the market now, and they’re all perfect as can be for the warm-weather season. Colorways of baby blues, ivories with brown accents, classic reds that pair well with denim, and eye-catching oranges across men’s and women’s LD-1000 offerings are diverse enough to cover every person’s style aesthetic.
On TikTok, fertile ground for zeroing in on exactly what has already “popped off” in the world of fashionable sneakers, users are providing us with ample Nike LD-1000 shoe style inspiration. A pair in “Light Armory Blue” is seen as the finishing touch to a trench coat–fueled getup for transitional weather; the “Pinksicle” colorway completes the look of a leather jacket and midi skirt; and the white-and-black color combination shows off the versatility of the LD-1000 shoe by pairing just as well with long, white socks and a bubble skirt as it does with ultra-baggy, grungy jeans.
Still not sold on the LD-1000’s industry-defining status, combined with a trending-for-2025 factor? One look at the shoe’s similarities to other groundbreaking, celeb-worn styles with search volume in the millions is all that’s needed for confirmation. Dakota Johnson’s choice of Nike Daybreak sneakers last year on the set of “Materialists” is just as streamlined and vintage-inspired, with a waffle rubber outsole, a chunkier white midsole that gives both elevation and contrast to the sneaker’s darker body, as well as a rounded toe box. The Cortez — a style that debuted even earlier than the LD-1000 and achieved universal adoration by way of key placements in “Forrest Gump” and on the feet of A-listers like Bella Hadid, Emma Roberts, Katy Perry, and beyond — also shares attributes like a supportive collar, cushioned midsole, and grippy outsole (this one equipped with a herringbone pattern). Nike shows no signs of stopping its quest to feed the retro resurrection. Earlier this year, it dropped the $75 Pacific, with a leather-plus-suede upper and gum sole that extends to the heel counter.
Below, our tested review of the Nike LD-1000 shoe, which we anticipate won’t stay in stock for too long. What can we say? It’s just that cool.
Nike LD-1000 Shoe Editor Testing Review
“To be totally honest, I wasn’t expecting to love the Nike LD-1000 shoe as much as I do. I ordered the black/sesame colorway in 2024 purely based on its aesthetics: The black upper with a tan-hued midsole and a bold, oversized Swoosh logo in white checked the boxes of a sneaker style I thought my collection could use, especially when paired with wide-leg black trousers, pleated chinos, and vintage-looking indigo jeans. The element of surprise here was the all-day comfort I felt from the very first wear.
Nike shoe offerings tend to run narrow, so I went up a half size, which was perfect for my feet. There’s just enough space in the toe box for the ideal amount of roominess; the elevated heel with foam cushioning and a unique silhouette suits my needs as a heel striker, while reducing any chance of foot pain; and the signature Nike waffle rubber outsole, in my experience, helps with stability in strides. Would I wear these shoes to go for a run? Absolutely not. Nike has plenty of modern sneaker styles for the long-distance runner in 2025, but as trendy everyday shoes, the LD-1000s have become a solid fixture in my footwear rotation — more so than I ever expected. From long days in the office to speed walking around New York City or standing for hours at a work cocktail event, no daily event has yet to make me question whether I chose the right shoes for my OOTD when sporting these LD-1000s (and that’s coming from a veteran fashion editor who tends to prioritize a shoe’s appearance over functionality). I’m happy to have found a Nike sneaker style that never puts me in an uncomfortable situation.” – FN & WWD Commerce Director Adam Mansuroglu
Shop More Nike LD-1000 Shoe Styles
Nike LD-1000 Sneaker
Price upon publish date of this article: $105
Nike LD-1000 Sneaker
Price upon publish date of this article: $100
Nike LD-1000 Sneaker
Price upon publish date of this article: $100
Nike LD-1000 SP Sneaker
Price upon publish date of this article: $100
Nike LD-1000 SP Sneaker
Price upon publish date of this article: $100
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Meet the Author
Stacia Datskovska is a Senior Commerce Writer at WWD and FN. Previously, she worked at ELLE DECOR as an assistant digital editor, covering all things luxury, culture, and lifestyle through a design lens. Her bylines over the past five years have appeared in USA Today, Baltimore Sun, Teen Vogue, Boston Globe, Food & Wine, and more. Prior to joining ELLE DECOR, Datskovska learned the ins and outs of e-commerce at Mashable, where she tested products, covered tentpole sales events, and curated gift guide roundups. She graduated from NYU with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and international relations. Datskovska regularly reports on new footwear releases and archival, iconic styles both.