SoleGRIND
| 👟 Sneaker Release Info | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Nike |
| Model | Nike LDV Waffle |
| Colorway | subtle |
| Style Code | BV0073-300 |
| Release Date | March 7, 2019 |
| Retail Price | $180 |
| Available At | SNKRS App, StockX, GOAT |
The sacai x Nike LDV Waffle is one of those collaborations that sneakerheads will be talking about for years. When Chitose Abe first showed these during Sacai’s SS19 presentation at Paris Fashion Week, the sneaker internet basically exploded. A hybrid shoe that mashes together the Nike LDV, the Waffle Racing, and the Daybreak? That’s not a collaboration. That’s a design masterclass.
Here’s what makes these special. Abe took elements from three classic Nike running shoes and layered them on top of each other. You get double Swooshes. Double tongues. Double laces. The midsole is stacked and exaggerated, giving the shoe this chunky platform feel that still somehow looks elegant. The waffle outsole from the Waffle Racer sits underneath it all. SKU BV0073-300 is the green, yellow, and orange colorway. BV0073-400 is the blue, red, and yellow version. Both retail for $180, though good luck finding them at retail now.
LeBron James was spotted wearing the green pair courtside, which tells you everything you need to know about the cultural weight of this collab. When one of the biggest athletes on the planet chooses a niche Japanese fashion brand’s Nike hybrid over his own signature line for a public appearance, that’s a statement. Instagram was flooded with on-foot shots from collectors who managed to grab pairs early. The styling ranged from cropped pants showing off the double tongues to full streetwear fits letting the shoes do the talking.
The release timeline was a mess, honestly. Initial rumors pointed to January 2019. Then February. Then March 7th for the European drop through Sacai’s webshop. The wide release kept getting pushed back. When they finally hit SNKRS and select retailers, they sold out in seconds. The demand was insane because the supply was tiny. Nike produced way fewer pairs than the market wanted, and resell prices reflected that immediately.
I think what sets the LDV Waffle apart from other hyped collabs is that the design actually justifies the hype. This isn’t a shoe that’s famous because of limited numbers or celebrity cosigns alone. The construction is genuinely innovative. The layered approach creates depth that photos don’t fully capture. In person, you can see how the double Swooshes interact, how the tongues stack, how the midsole height changes the silhouette’s entire profile. It’s a shoe that rewards close inspection.
The materials are solid too. Mesh bases with suede overlays on the toe and heel. Leather Swooshes. The waffle outsole gives it that retro running shoe authenticity while the stacked midsole pushes it into modern territory. The color blocking on both versions is loud but balanced. The green pair uses bright green mesh with olive overlays and orange accents. The blue pair goes with light blue mesh, red suede, and navy panels. Neither colorway is subtle, and that’s the point.
Styling these is honestly half the fun. The double tongue means you can wear them with cropped pants or rolled cuffs to show off the layered look. LeBron went with a casual courtside fit. Other collectors have paired them with everything from tailored trousers to track pants. The shoes are loud enough that they become the focal point of any outfit. You don’t wear the LDV Waffle to blend in.
If you missed the original drop, the Amazon listing sometimes has stock floating around. Resell on StockX and GOAT has stayed high because Sacai’s Nike collabs have only gotten more sought after over time. The LDV Waffle kicked off a whole era of hybrid Nike collaborations, and it’s still the one everyone measures against.
