Air Presto
The Nike Air Presto is the sneaker Nike launched in 2000 as a ‘T-shirt for your feet’: a light shoe with a stretchy upper that moulds to your foot. The plastic cage on the side and the thick, soft sole make it instantly recognisable. Within Nike it is a comfortable everyday sneaker that has been worn for more than twenty-five years.
The history of the Nike Air Presto
The Presto was designed by Tobie Hatfield, the brother of Tinker Hatfield. He wondered why shoes came in half sizes, while T-shirts simply have small, medium and large. The first Prestos were therefore sold in clothing sizes instead of numbered shoe sizes. The shoe appeared in the same year as the Nike Shox and soon came out in countless colours.
Later came the Presto Mid and collaborations, such as the one with ACRONYM, the label of designer Errolson Hugh. Their versions turned the Presto into a technical, almost futuristic sneaker.
Design and technology
The upper is made of stretchy fabric, with a V-shaped notch at the ankle that improves the heel fit and makes it easier to slip on. A plastic cage on the side adds support and keeps the laces in place. Underneath sits a thick foam sole with Air cushioning that feels soft with every step. The result is a shoe that feels more like a slipper than a stiff sneaker.
Popular Nike Air Presto colorways
These Prestos stand out most on WOOVIN right now:
- Air Presto ‘Black White’: black upper with a white sole.
- Air Presto ‘Triple Black Shiny Toe’: completely black, with a glossy toe.
- Air Presto ‘White Pure Platinum’: white with light grey.
- Air Presto PRM ‘Halloween’: black with orange and off-white.
- Air Presto Mid x ACRONYM ‘Racer Pink’: pink with black, blue and white, from the collaboration with Errolson Hugh’s label.
Air Presto or Air Max: which is more comfortable?
Both are known for comfort, but in different ways. The Nike Air Max relies on a visible Air unit and a firmer upper with more structure. With the Presto it is all about the stretchy upper and the soft foam. For long days on your feet the Presto feels lighter; the Air Max offers more support. If you want a 2000s runner with more layers, also take a look at the Nike Vomero 5.
How does the Nike Air Presto fit?
Today’s Air Presto comes in regular numbered sizes and, according to most retailers, fits true to size. The stretchy upper wraps closely around the foot, and the plastic toe cap can pinch on wide feet. Do not size down; if you are between two sizes or have wide feet, choose the next size up.
Buy the Nike Air Presto at WOOVIN
On WOOVIN you will find the Air Presto in black, white and grey basics, but also in special versions such as the Halloween and the ACRONYM Presto Mid. For everyday use, the Black White is the most versatile; the all-black version shows the least dirt. If you want the Presto as a statement, go for the ACRONYM collaboration.
