How the Badwater 146 went from racing powerhouse to retro-future icon. A short history and style primer for one of Hi-Tec’s most beloved sneakers.
First, some housekeeping: The shoe features a white mesh upper with leather overlays at the toe box and heel, alongside synthetic branding on the side panels. Blue and red accents appear on the branded elements. A pop of pink lights up the tongue and a treaded sole adds to the retro aesthetic. Now let’s get into it…
Since Hi-Tec burst onto the scene in the mid-1970s, they’ve been no strangers to innovation. From the squash shoe, a game-changing first release, to the legendary Sierra Light hiking boot, the brand has always had a flair for functionality that meets style. But the Hi-Tec Badwater runner, inspired by one of the world’s toughest endurance races, is where things get interesting.
Sneaker culture is one of obsession. Limited releases, impossible raffles and endless collabs fuel the fire burning inside the hearts of the faithful. But sometimes, passion and pedigree don’t align and fans flock to hype a shoe that brings nothing to the table and even less to the wardrobe.
This is not one of those cases. In the Badwater, a criminally underrated and high-performance lifestyle runner, pedigree exceeds passion while great design puts it over the top. Hardworking and good-looking are just two of the Badwater’s biggest green flags.
“it’s what’s on the inside that counts”.This timeless lesson rings as true for sneakers as it does for people. The Badwater has many interesting features sitting below the surface that elevate the shoe to its iconic status.
To understand this innovation, we need to set the stage with the Badwater origin story. The Badwater Ultramarathon, known as “the world’s toughest foot race,” is as brutal as it gets. Picture this: runners begin their trek 85 meters below sea level in Death Valley’s Badwater Basin and finish it 2,548 meters up Mount Whitney, covering 235 kilometres in extreme heat. It’s an insane challenge, but Hi-Tec’s Badwater shoes were designed to match the intensity of this race
In response to this challenge of all challenges, the team came up with something exceptional: Hi-Tec’s Air Ball Concept (ABC). An innovative cushioning system for their running shoes was introduced, designed to handle extreme conditions. The ABC system utilised a pressurised cylinder in the heel, which compressed upon impact and expanded to propel the runner forward. This design was lighter and more resilient than traditional EVA midsoles, making it a precursor to modern energy-returning cushioning systems. It was a groundbreaking concept, far ahead of its time, offering better shock absorption and stride efficiency for endurance athletes.
The Air Ball Concept (ABC) was designed to be replaceable and offered in two pressure ratings to suit different running needs. And so the Badwater 146, a shoe created for ultramarathon runners, offering durability and customised cushioning for extreme performance, was born.
Now being long-distance, high altitude, hot weather-ready, is par for the course for this shoe, expectations for you, future wearer, are far less extreme. Take these for a spin during a leisurely weekend in the city, hitting up farmer’s markets or while fielding compliments at your next braai. Or elevate them to dancing shoes and put them through their paces during a night on the town or at a festival. Whatever you do, wear with intention. However you rock them, they can handle it.
Classics are classic for a reason and the BW-146 is no exception. Heritage is the backbone, but it’s the modern interpretation and current fandom that keep icons alive, and we can’t wait to see how the shoe’s future heritage is built today.