Nike Mac Attack ‘Light Smoke Grey’ Release June 23rd

Friday Jun 16, 2023

Nike Mac Attack ‘Light Smoke Grey’ Release June 23rd

Haven Neiman

Since the start of the year, Nike has been making an impression on the sneaker universe by diving back into its archives of their iconic silhouettes, such as the Vandal High from 1984 in collaboration with Stüssy. Other ‘80s-inspired sneakers are arriving soon, further emphasizing the hype of these retro silhouettes.

Making its debut in 1984, Nike’s throwback ‘Mac Attack’ sneaker is considered to be one of the most iconic and first-ever signature shoes of a tennis player. At the time, tennis shoes were conventionally all-white. When Nike introduced the ‘Mac Attack,’ it contrasted itself with others with its Light Silver/Black colorway and the checkboard tongue label in a unique mid-cut design and complicated forefoot aesthetic.

The Nike Mac Attack was released in just one colorway for legendary tennis player Jon McEnroe. The player was controversial at the time due to his hard-headedness and temper, and this decision by Nike paved the way for how they would pick out its signature athletes in the future, such as Andre Agassi, Charles Barkley, and Dennis Rodman. McEnroe was a burst of energy in a relatively well-behaved sport. His signature shoe was nicknamed ‘The Mac,’ but after 1984, the shoe had never been released—until now.

Taking on a ‘Light Smoke Grey’ colorway, this ‘84 classic is re-released in an OG iteration. The design takes on a mesh upper and leather paneling, just like an original silhouette. A slick black Swoosh is placed among the lateral and media sidewalls of the sneaker. Additional accents are featured on the toe box, ankle, and heel. The classic blue and black checkerboard tongue tag is returned, finished with a bold ‘Nike’ logo stitched at the center. The entire design sits upon a crisp white midsole, while the rubber outsole wraps up the rest of the design.