Who should buy the Nike Sock Dart

A cross between a lifestyle shoe and performance footwear, the Sock Dart gives off a flashy, sporty vibe. It's for you if:

  • You wish to wear something comfy and dependable for extended travel.
  • High maneuverability is at the top of your sneaker must-have list.
  • You're into vibrant kicks that can complement your equally colorful outfits.

Nike Sock Dart buy

Who should not buy it

If you need a pair with a much more supportive shell, skip the Sock Dart for the Nike Waffle Racer 2X. Also, you're better off purchasing the Swift Run from Adidas if you prefer not to overspend.

Nike Sock Dart support

Light as a feather

The Nike Sock Dart on feet is very light, a characteristic that many adore about the shoe.

Nike Sock Dart light

The Sock Dart's through-the-roof comfort level

"Extremely comfortable" is a popular term used by many in describing the Nike Sock Dart.

Nike Sock Dart comf

Otherworldly stylishness

It is one of the most stylish and unique shoes on the market, according to numerous sneakerheads.

Nike Sock Dart style

The Sock Dart's double-edged confines

On the one hand, there are those who find this slip-on Nike shoe quite flexible, giving them freer mobility as a result. On the other hand, the shoe lacks upper support, which reviewers blame on the thin construction of the shoe's knit confines.

Nike Sock Dart double

Immensely supple underfoot

Wearers who are on their feet daily adore the Sock Dart's bouncy and plush sole unit.

Nike Sock Dart supple

Colors everywhere

The Nike Sock Dart is available in multiple flashy colorways.

Nike Sock Dart color

Nike Sock Dart equals expensive

The asking price of the Nike Sock Dart is too steep for the budget-conscious. Case in point: compared with other running-inspired Nike sneakers with the same style, this offering is about $10 more expensive.

Nike Sock Dart costly

Quick on and off

Many users find the Nike Sock Dart very easy to put on and take off.

Nike Sock Dart access

The origin of the Nike Sock Dart

The idea behind the Nike Sock Dart started much earlier than its actual production. In 1984, Bill Bowerman, one of Nike’s co-founders, commissioned the HTM trio of Hiroshi Fujiwara, Tinker Hatfield, and Mark Parker to come up with a shoe that fits the description of “sock with a sole.”

From the creative minds of these three innovative individuals came the existence of the Nike Sock Racer. Two decades after the Sock Racer was released, the Nike Sock Dart came into being. It came with technologically advanced features.

The Nike Sock Dart was the first shoe that successfully incorporated a full-on upper made of knitted material. The Flyknit was practically unveiled to the public in this shoe. As such, this is the forerunner of those running shoes that have made their mark "sock-like sneakers."

Nike Sock Dart grip

The Sock Dart's siblings

The Nike Sock Dart SE was reintroduced in the summer of 2016. Compared to the OG Sock Dart, the Summer Edition sneaker has a stretchier and more breathable knit material, ideal for warmer outings. It has a new and improved version in the Nike Sock Dart SE Premium, which was launched in the same year, carrying a strikingly futuristic design, a more breathable woven upper, and an improved fit.

Another variant in the Nike Sock Dart range is the Nike Sock Dart QS. This variant stays true to the minimalist theme of the base model but with an elephant print on the stretchy upper. It was released in time for the US Independence Day celebrations and as part of the Safari Pack, where it was released in three colorways.

Facts / Specs

Style: Retro, Sporty, Minimalist
Top: Low
Inspired from: Running
Closure: Slip-on, Velcro
Designed by: Tinker Hatfield
Material: Mesh, Knit, Rubber Sole, EVA / Fabric
Technology: Phylon

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Author
Danny McLoughlin
Danny McLoughlin

Danny is a sports nut with a particular interest in football and running. He loves to watch sports as much as he loves to play. Danny was lead researcher on RunRepeat and The PFA’s report into Racial Bias in Football Commentary. His football and running research has been featured in The Guardian, BBC, New York Times and Washington Post.