The Nike �swoosh� design was created in 1971, though the first �waffle-base� shoes bearing the logo did not appear until 1972. The �swoosh� was supposed to represent a wing and the waffle sole was created by accident when the inventor left a rubber plimsol on a hot waffle-iron.
Trainers were welcome relief from the uncomfortable platform soles of fashion shoes, and were an instant hit with schoolchildren who no longer had to keep their patent leather uppers clean.
Unfortunately odourless insoles wouldn�t be along for a few years yet.
