Shox

The Nike Shox is the sneaker with the striking columns in the heel: plastic springs that absorb the impact of every step. Around 2000 it was one of Nike’s most futuristic shoes, and now it is back as one of the most recognisable Y2K sneakers. The Shox TL in particular, with columns under the whole foot, is worn a lot by women.

The history of the Nike Shox

The idea for the Shox emerged in the mid-1980s, when designer Bruce Kilgore, known for the Air Force 1, experimented with mechanical cushioning instead of air. It took years before there was a material that was firm enough and still sprang back. In 2000 Nike brought the technology to market with the Shox R4, the first Shox model for runners, with four columns in the heel. The Shox TL and the Shox Ride were among the models that followed.

Design and technology

The heart of every Shox is a row of polyurethane foam columns between two plates. With every step they compress and spring back, something you really feel when walking. The R4 has four columns under the heel and a fairly classic running upper. The TL has full-length columns, a low-cut mesh upper and a tall, sporty look. The Ride 2 is a slimmer runner with a flowing, layered construction.

Popular Nike Shox colorways

These Shox versions currently stand out on WOOVIN:

• Shox TL ‘Particle Rose’ (W): light powder pink with metallic silver.
• Shox Ride 2 ‘Cool Grey Celestine Blue’: grey with bright blue and silver accents.
• Shox TL ‘Pink Foam’ (W): metallic platinum with soft pink and white.
• Shox R4 ‘Sakura’ (W): pink with black, inspired by Japanese cherry blossom.
• Shox TL ‘Neutral Grey Pearl Pink’ (W): grey, silver and black with a pink accent.

What is the difference between the Shox TL and the Shox R4?

The difference is mainly in the sole. The R4 only has columns in the heel and therefore feels like a fairly normal runner with extra spring at the back. The TL has columns under the whole foot, looks taller and heavier and gives that springy feel along the full length. If you are after a calmer Nike retro runner instead, take a look at the Nike P-6000.

How does the Nike Shox fit?

The Nike Shox generally fits true to size, so you can stick with your normal Nike size. The TL wraps the foot fairly closely because of its firm upper and high sole. If you have wide feet, you can consider going half a size up. Many popular Shox colours are women’s models with (W) in the name; going by EU size, you take the same size as your other sneakers.

Buy the Nike Shox at WOOVIN

On WOOVIN you will mainly find the Shox TL in pastel, silver and black, alongside the Ride 2 and the R4. Choose the TL if you want a bold, chunky look, and the R4 or Ride 2 if you want the Shox spring in a slimmer silhouette. Torn between Shox and visible Air? Compare it with the Nike Air Max.