Nike Air Tailwind 79 - Dark Obsidian / White Making its debut in 1978 for the Honolulu Marathon, the Nike Air Tailwind was a revolution in cushioning. Now, a racing icon returns with the Nike Air Tailwind 79, featuring nearly original materials and colours, plus the Nike Air unit that made it a winner. Materials, shape and colours are as close to the original as possible. Nike Air unit provides lightweight cushioning. Textile and leather upper gives comfortable support. Rubber outsole with Waffle traction pattern has durable grip. Making its debut in Hawaii for the Honolulu Marathon in 1978, the Nike Tailwind was a revolution in cushioning. The first shoe to feature full-length Nike Air, it became an instant classic with its nylon upper and silver mesh, the idea of which was to make the shoe look light and fast and like the wind. Nike, pronounced Ni-key, is the winged goddess of victory according to Greek mythology. She sat at the side of Zeus, the ruler of the Olympic pantheon, in Olympus. A mystical presence, symbolizing victorious encounters, Nike presided over history's earliest battlefields. The Nike 'swoosh' embodies the spirit of the winged goddess who inspired the most courageous and chivalrous warriors at the dawn of civilization.
Nike Air Tailwind 79 - Dark Obsidian / White Making its debut in 1978 for the Honolulu Marathon, the Nike Air Tailwind was a revolution in cushioning. Now, a racing icon returns with the Nike Air Tailwind 79, featuring nearly original materials and colours, plus the Nike Air unit that made it a winner. Materials, shape and colours are as close to the original as possible. Nike Air unit provides lightweight cushioning. Textile and leather upper gives comfortable support. Rubber outsole with Waffle traction pattern has durable grip. Making its debut in Hawaii for the Honolulu Marathon in 1978, the Nike Tailwind was a revolution in cushioning. The first shoe to feature full-length Nike Air, it became an instant classic with its nylon upper and silver mesh, the idea of which was to make the shoe look light and fast and like the wind. Nike, pronounced Ni-key, is the winged goddess of victory according to Greek mythology. She sat at the side of Zeus, the ruler of the Olympic pantheon, in Olympus. A mystical presence, symbolizing victorious encounters, Nike presided over history's earliest battlefields. The Nike 'swoosh' embodies the spirit of the winged goddess who inspired the most courageous and chivalrous warriors at the dawn of civilization.
Nike Air Tailwind 79 - Dark Obsidian / White Making its debut in 1978 for the Honolulu Marathon, the Nike Air Tailwind was a revolution in cushioning. Now, a racing icon returns with the Nike Air Tailwind 79, featuring nearly original materials and colours, plus the Nike Air unit that made it a winner. Materials, shape and colours are as close to the original as possible. Nike Air unit provides lightweight cushioning. Textile and leather upper gives comfortable support. Rubber outsole with Waffle traction pattern has durable grip. Making its debut in Hawaii for the Honolulu Marathon in 1978, the Nike Tailwind was a revolution in cushioning. The first shoe to feature full-length Nike Air, it became an instant classic with its nylon upper and silver mesh, the idea of which was to make the shoe look light and fast and like the wind. Nike, pronounced Ni-key, is the winged goddess of victory according to Greek mythology. She sat at the side of Zeus, the ruler of the Olympic pantheon, in Olympus. A mystical presence, symbolizing victorious encounters, Nike presided over history's earliest battlefields. The Nike 'swoosh' embodies the spirit of the winged goddess who inspired the most courageous and chivalrous warriors at the dawn of civilization.
Nike Air Tailwind 79 - Dark Obsidian / White Making its debut in 1978 for the Honolulu Marathon, the Nike Air Tailwind was a revolution in cushioning. Now, a racing icon returns with the Nike Air Tailwind 79, featuring nearly original materials and colours, plus the Nike Air unit that made it a winner. Materials, shape and colours are as close to the original as possible. Nike Air unit provides lightweight cushioning. Textile and leather upper gives comfortable support. Rubber outsole with Waffle traction pattern has durable grip. Making its debut in Hawaii for the Honolulu Marathon in 1978, the Nike Tailwind was a revolution in cushioning. The first shoe to feature full-length Nike Air, it became an instant classic with its nylon upper and silver mesh, the idea of which was to make the shoe look light and fast and like the wind. Nike, pronounced Ni-key, is the winged goddess of victory according to Greek mythology. She sat at the side of Zeus, the ruler of the Olympic pantheon, in Olympus. A mystical presence, symbolizing victorious encounters, Nike presided over history's earliest battlefields. The Nike 'swoosh' embodies the spirit of the winged goddess who inspired the most courageous and chivalrous warriors at the dawn of civilization.
Last updated at 03/21/2026 20:02:16
Nike Air Tailwind 79 Navy White, UK 10
Delivery between 26–30 Mar $14.99
originally posted on store.nike.com
I got the Navy Blue. I love everything about the shoe, but the tongue is a thin white material covering a yellow foam. It makes the tongue look like a yellowish off white that contrasts with the bright white on the rest of the shoe. The picture clearly shows a tongue of gray foam covered by white fabric. I contacted Nike, and they said the tongue foam is supposed to be yellow.
originally posted on store.nike.com
I copped the phantom white color way and was satisfied how nice they looked in person. The suede is is great and the knit mesh is nice and breathable. The foam mid sole and air unit really make a difference compared to other older nikes like blazers. All day comfort, nice colorway, vintage look I have a new favorite daily driver.
originally posted on store.nike.com
I bought the Pacific blue/team orange pair, and they look amazing! A classic and historical design with nice colorways. The Pacific blue/team orange really pops.Unfortunately for me these are way too narrow. The upper is accommodating to wider feet, but the sole is very narrow. My foot is wide across the first knuckles (from ball of the foot to the base of the pinky toe), and the base of my pinky toe protruded almost completely over the sole. As other people have mentioned these already run long, so I couldn't size up to try and remedy this issue. Otherwise, the soles are very comfortable with a great medium firmness, although the narrowness does not aid in stability.I had the Tailwind 92s as a kid, and I was super excited for these OG 79s. I love the look, and ... MoreI bought the Pacific blue/team orange pair, and they look amazing! A classic and historical design with nice colorways. The Pacific blue/team orange really pops.Unfortunately for me these are way too narrow. The upper is accommodating to wider feet, but the sole is very narrow. My foot is wide across the first knuckles (from ball of the foot to the base of the pinky toe), and the base of my pinky toe protruded almost completely over the sole. As other people have mentioned these already run long, so I couldn't size up to try and remedy this issue. Otherwise, the soles are very comfortable with a great medium firmness, although the narrowness does not aid in stability.I had the Tailwind 92s as a kid, and I was super excited for these OG 79s. I love the look, and I wanted to love it on the feet. But, it's just not a good match for my anatomy. For normal and narrow feet it will probably be great.
Nike Air Tailwind 79 Navy White, UK 10
Delivery between 26–30 Mar $14.99
I got the Navy Blue. I love everything about the shoe, but the tongue is a thin white material covering a yellow foam. It makes the tongue look like a yellowish off white that contrasts with the bright white on the rest of the shoe. The picture clearly shows a tongue of gray foam covered by white fabric. I contacted Nike, and they said the tongue foam is supposed to be yellow.
I copped the phantom white color way and was satisfied how nice they looked in person. The suede is is great and the knit mesh is nice and breathable. The foam mid sole and air unit really make a difference compared to other older nikes like blazers. All day comfort, nice colorway, vintage look I have a new favorite daily driver.
I bought the Pacific blue/team orange pair, and they look amazing! A classic and historical design with nice colorways. The Pacific blue/team orange really pops.Unfortunately for me these are way too narrow. The upper is accommodating to wider feet, but the sole is very narrow. My foot is wide across the first knuckles (from ball of the foot to the base of the pinky toe), and the base of my pinky toe protruded almost completely over the sole. As other people have mentioned these already run long, so I couldn't size up to try and remedy this issue. Otherwise, the soles are very comfortable with a great medium firmness, although the narrowness does not aid in stability.I had the Tailwind 92s as a kid, and I was super excited for these OG 79s. I love the look, and ... MoreI bought the Pacific blue/team orange pair, and they look amazing! A classic and historical design with nice colorways. The Pacific blue/team orange really pops.Unfortunately for me these are way too narrow. The upper is accommodating to wider feet, but the sole is very narrow. My foot is wide across the first knuckles (from ball of the foot to the base of the pinky toe), and the base of my pinky toe protruded almost completely over the sole. As other people have mentioned these already run long, so I couldn't size up to try and remedy this issue. Otherwise, the soles are very comfortable with a great medium firmness, although the narrowness does not aid in stability.I had the Tailwind 92s as a kid, and I was super excited for these OG 79s. I love the look, and I wanted to love it on the feet. But, it's just not a good match for my anatomy. For normal and narrow feet it will probably be great.
These shoes are the most comfortable shoes I own and they are probably my favorite style as well. I have but 2 complaints with them though:1) The heel has cracked on one of the shoes after a few months of normal use (see photo). I did think that wearing them on the subway might have been my issue, but it seem like others are having similar complaints as well.2) I WAS just going to purchase another pair because I like them so much, but the color scheme I purchase blue/grey/white is no longer for sale. WHY did you get rid of that color scheme, nike?? Please bring it back!!! :-(I'm torn because I really loved these shoes, but at this moment in time I just cannot recommend buying them until the heel issue is resolved
The Tailwind 79s are great. They go with almost anything and they look fantastic. I have had a pair for about four months and I love them but the soles are falling apart. The wall of the sole on the inside of my feet of both shoes tore after a little over a month. I tried to save my shoes with rubber cement because it holds well while matching the elasticity of the sole but they’ve come apart even more since then. I thought they might have popped or torn because of my weight but I only weigh 180 lbs. I think the soles may be faulty because I don’t think that the foam should tear that easily. I highly recommend buying these shoes; just be careful if you jump from a high place or sprint often in them.
I initially bought the shoes to match an outfit I already had. However, I wore them to work at the college where I am an adjunct Instructor and was very impressed with how comfortable and light they were. I recieved multiple compliments and had 3-4 other staff members inquire as to where I purchased them and a a while bunch of students asked the same question. Since then 5 other instructors have purchased them due to my recommendation and how nice the look with our khaki pants and orange and black shirts. When we work to together we look like a well coordinated pro team staff.
Great looking retro shoe from Nike. Tongue is a little long, but they are classy and very comfortable. Almost as comfortable as the Pegasus 35. Would give them 5 stars if it weren't for their subpar durability.I've had these for just shy of two months and wear them a few hours per day, maybe 3-4 days a week. Just noticed that there are now cracks on all 4 corners of the sole (see the photos). Very disappointing as these have not been abused.Nike needs to bring back the Pegasus '83, which in my opinion is probably the most comfortable and durable casual shoe Nike has ever made.I wouldn't waste my $90 on these again.
On my third pair. Keep buying them hoping and praying the soles will wear longer. They don’t. The protruding squares wear down after about three months of use in the highest wear areas of the sole. Original materials indeed. Everything else about this shoe I love, love, love. Style, colorways, fit, comfort. Very comfortable without too much cushioning to the point of not being able to feel the pavement. Might have to move to the 89 Pegasus or Internationalist just because of the sole.
I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE these shoes! The style is perfection... fit is comfortable and I love to wear them almost every day. They are my go to! However I have now owned 3 pairs and they all have had the same problem... the white midsole ruptures in the heel, every time. This happens around 4-6 months. I really hope Nike upgrades the midsole to still have the smooth clean white (that is so easy to clean), but makes it sturdier on the inside if possible. I honestly would wear these shoes everyday for the rest of my life in every color they make them... BUT this has to be fixed first... I am actually sad to see them sell out, because I would still buy a pair, knowing it will fault because I don't like anything else. If Nike is listening, fix this please! But NOT ... MoreI absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE these shoes! The style is perfection... fit is comfortable and I love to wear them almost every day. They are my go to! However I have now owned 3 pairs and they all have had the same problem... the white midsole ruptures in the heel, every time. This happens around 4-6 months. I really hope Nike upgrades the midsole to still have the smooth clean white (that is so easy to clean), but makes it sturdier on the inside if possible. I honestly would wear these shoes everyday for the rest of my life in every color they make them... BUT this has to be fixed first... I am actually sad to see them sell out, because I would still buy a pair, knowing it will fault because I don't like anything else. If Nike is listening, fix this please! But NOT with the soft midsole foam on the OG Challengers... you can't clean them like the tailwinds.
After reading about its history for quite some time, the original Nike Air Tailwind was always a fascinating shoe to me. The very first Nike with an airsole cushioning? I could imagine how special that must've been back in '79!I'm glad I finally got a pair and experienced the first air-sole shoe ever. These are one of the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn! Most shoes I have to get a half-size up or more due to my feet being wide, but I went true-to-size and they fit perfect! You can definitely feel the air-sole cushioning under your feet at work, mostly in the heel section. It gives a nice and soft ride with each step. Comfortable materials, perfect fit, and a responsive air-sole unit all equals out to being a great shoe for casual wear to me! It's great to ... MoreAfter reading about its history for quite some time, the original Nike Air Tailwind was always a fascinating shoe to me. The very first Nike with an airsole cushioning? I could imagine how special that must've been back in '79!I'm glad I finally got a pair and experienced the first air-sole shoe ever. These are one of the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn! Most shoes I have to get a half-size up or more due to my feet being wide, but I went true-to-size and they fit perfect! You can definitely feel the air-sole cushioning under your feet at work, mostly in the heel section. It gives a nice and soft ride with each step. Comfortable materials, perfect fit, and a responsive air-sole unit all equals out to being a great shoe for casual wear to me! It's great to see these legendary shoes come back out, thanks Nike!(P.S. As far as sizing, they might fit big for narrow feet so you may have to go a half-size down, maybe even a whole size for some people. But for wide footers, I'd suggest going true-to-size, these are very wide foot-friendly.)
