The Nike Air Huarache ‘Slate’ Retro Looks Different to the 1992 OG

Nike have been on an absolute tear with Air Huarache releases in 2021, and it looks like they’ll continue dropping more colours next year. With the sheer volume of options hitting the market, perhaps it’s a good time to pause and reflect on what’s getting put out, for the sake of accuracy. This suggestion particularly applies to the upcoming ‘Slate’ retro.

Don’t get it twisted: the Huarache silhouette in 2021 has been excellent. Nike rejigged the entire design for the return of the ‘Scream Green’ OG at the beginning of the year and it pleased at least one discerning critic. Strong reissues of the Stussy collaboration and new colourways showed a lot of promise too. The revival of the ‘Praline’ was almost perfect.

Then came the ‘Slate’, which some sneakerheads will argue wasn’t cleared as part of the Swoosh’s retro redemption. Granted, the dark stretch bootie, tonal midsoles and matching straps are back. But the very, very pale shade of grey certainly does look very faded versus the lush blue of the 1992 OG. At least the nubuck will be quite soft on the retros.

Keep an eye out for the ‘Slate’ to hit shelves in coming weeks. Some fans have waited almost 30 years for this OG to return but, alas, some may be waiting even longer for what they deem to be a true retro. Can’t win’ em all!