1920
Seven-time Boston Marathon winner Clarence DeMar and others run in thin shoes that have crepe rubber soles and leather uppers.
1951
Japan’s Shegeki Tanaki wins the Boston Marathon in a split-toe shoe with a big-toe section.
1960
New Balance Trackster is one of the first mass-produced running shoes, if not the first. Deep ripples in the sole are designed to help prevent shin splints.
1974
First Nike Waffle Trainer released, two years after first Nike ‘Moon Shoe’ distributed to runners at Olympic Trials.
1986
Adidas Micropacer features electronic pedometer stitched into the tongue. The first attempt to meld electronics with running shoes.
2005
Vibram releases FiveFingers shoe, originally made for kayaking and other similar outdoor activities.
2009
First Hoka One One maximally cushioned shoe released, a sign that the minimalist backlash isn’t far away.
2046?
And 30 years from now? One possibility: shoes made from protocells, or synthetic materials that have properties of organic matter, including self-repair.
Illustrations by Dan Fuehrer
