It was a good day for some lucky eBay seller when he sold one of the original “Back to the Future” shoes (aka Nike MAG) for nearly 100k in 2018. Worn by actor Michael J. Fox in the second film, the future shoe was quite literally falling apart at the seams. Did the automatic lacing system actually work, one might wonder? The answer is anyone’s guess, but as a piece of cinematic history, this prop was second to none. Meanwhile, that’s just one among a slew of milestones achieved by this iconic Nike sneaker.
2007 Back to the Future Shoes
Over a decade after it first appeared in “Back to the Future Part II,” an animated bear mascot was seen rocking a pair in the music video for Kanye West’s “Good Morning.” One year later, Kobe Bryant pulled up to UNDFTD LA in a Delorean and stepped out wearing “McFly” Hyperdunks. While not exact replicas, Bryant’s eye-popping kicks touted the original MAG colourway. Nike subsequently teased a “Back to the Future”-themed Hypermax, but the silhouettes never came to fruition.
2011 Back to the Future Shoes
Jump ahead to 2011 and Nike goes all-in on the MAG, crafting 1500 replicas of the famous “Back to the Future” shoe. Their debut was preceded by a teaser video of Marty McFly’s closet, where Nike MAGs lined the shelves. Each pair was then auctioned off for charity, with all proceeds going toward the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. When all was said and done, Nike reportedly raised US$5,695,190.53. These days, you can typically fetch a pair of the 2011 Nike MAGs for US$7500-$10,000 (and up) on the resale market.
2011 Nike Back to the Future Release
Release Date: 2011
Quantity: 1500 pairs
Price: Auctioned for charity, with prices on the resale market typically ranging from US$7500-$10,000
Countries: Not specified
Special Features: Replica of the famous “Back to the Future” shoe, debuted with a teaser video of Marty McFly’s closet, where Nike MAGs lined the shelves.
2016 Back to the Future Shoes
In 2016, Nike released a new and improved version of the famous “Back to the Future” shoe. Each pair advanced Adaptive Fit technology, also known as “power laces,” which can sense the wearer’s motion and loosen or tighten accordingly. Production was limited to just 89 units, and Michael J. Fox was the first to score a pair (free of charge). The subsequent auction raised a whopping US$6.75 million for the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. If you want to purchase the 2016 silhouette, prepare to spend at least 24k, if not 50k and up.
2011 Nike Back to the Future Release
Release Date: 2016
Quantity: 89 pairs
Price: Auctioned for charity, with prices on the resale market typically starting at least at $24k, if not $50k and up.
Countries: Not specified
Special Features: Each pair advanced Adaptive Fit technology, also known as “power laces,”
2016-2019 Nike HyperAdapt 1.0
That same year, Nike also debuted HyperAdapt 1.0, an indisputably cool range that likewise features Adaptive Fit technology. The line was popular enough to yield a sequel, which dropped a few months ago. Prices for the 2019 models go from about US$300 up to $795.
2016-2019 Nike HyperAdapt 1.0 Release
Release Period: 2016-2019
Price: Not specified, but it was a limited edition release
Countries: Not specified
Special Features: The Nike HyperAdapt 1.0 is the first fully-functioning athletic shoe that electronically adjusts to the contours of your foot via adaptive lacing technology, providing a personal, customized fit.
By contrast, the Nike MAG “Back to the Future” shoes are more expensive and far more unique. Crafted with precision, these real-life replicas look like they came straight off the big screen. Get yourself a pair, a working hoverboard, and a truck full of manure and you’ll be ready to star in your own low-budget remake of “Back to the Future Part II.”
Enter the Nike Back to the Future Ballot
General FAQ
The original Nike MAG Back to the Future replicas from 2011 fetch anywhere from US$7500-$10,000 (and up) on the resale market. The 2019 HyperAdapt 1.0—which features similar Adaptive Fit Technology—go from about US$300 up to US$795.
When the Nike MAG Back to the Future shoes debuted in 2011, only 1500 units were made. When the brand released a newer version in 2016, it made just 89 units.
Each pair of Nike MAG Back to the Future shoes features Adaptive Fit Technology, which can sense the wearer’s motion and loosen or tighten accordingly.
