Nike Air Presto

As early as 1996, Nike started thinking about a sneaker that should combine two features: On the one hand, feet and shoes should harmonize more with each other, i.e. the fit was in the foreground - furthermore, the sneakers should offer the same comfort as slippers. The then footwear developer Tobie Hatfield dedicated himself to this project. The biggest hurdle was finding an ideal upper material for the Nike slipper. Hatfield was looking for a more airy alternative to neoprene. This was found in 2000 and gave birth to the Nike Air Presto as we know it today. The so-called "Spacer Mesh", which comes from the medical industry, offered the sought-after breathability as well as flexibility - the "T-shirt for the foot" was born.