TRAIL RUNNING CLASSICS
INSIDE THE VAULT
In 1997, Nike debuted some of its most radical, timeless footwear, including the Air Max 97, Air Foamposite One, and Air Zoom Spiridon. Many forget that, in the same year, the company released equally adventurous trail running shoes: the Air Humara and its sequel, the Air Terra Humara.
The Air Humara and Air Terra Humara were inspired by the technical aesthetic of motorcycle wheels and had thick, high-traction soles. Both were unexpectedly adopted by celebrities as lifestyle shoes, making them as likely to appear on the trail as in paparazzi photos.
The more restrained Air Terra Humara 2 came out the following year with thinner lines and a smaller Swoosh. 1998 also welcomed the bold Air Terra Albis, most recognizable in its Concord colorway, and a similar boot version, the Air Terra Sertig. All had increased grip thanks to more pronounced, chiseled outsole lugs.
These shoes roughly fit into what’s known as Nike’s “Terra” line of trail shoes, which originated in the ‘80s through Nike ACG (All Conditions Gear). 1991’s Air Terra ACG was the template for the experimental trail running designs to come, many of which have inspired wear off the trail.
Two additional models released in 1998-1999, the Air Ketchikan and Air Crested Butte (named after the snowy towns of Ketchikan, Alaska and Crested Butte, Colorado), introduced waterproof Gore-Tex lining. Today, shoes like the Air Zoom Terra Kiger and Air Zoom Wildhorse enable a new generation of trail runners.
