lightweight and breathable. debuted in 1986, the nike sock racer men's shoe melded a sandal with an upper made of material similar to running tights, creating a foot-hugging design that caught on with professional runners and triathletes. part of the genealogy in black collection, this updated version features a breathable mesh upper that conforms to your foot and two adjustable straps for a secure fit.. benefits. lightweight mesh upper for excellent ventilation. two adjustable midfoot straps for a custom fit. phylon midsole for cushioning and comfort. rubber outsole for traction and durability. about the genealogy in black collection. the launch of nike free a decade ago marked the debut of nike's first shoe to promote the benefits of natural motion-but the concept had been taking shape in nike's shoe designs for years. these seminal shoes, often considered odd at the time, collectively form the lineage of nike free, proving that they were perhaps merely ahead of their time. genealogy in black celebrates these game-changing designs by bringing them together in a modern, monochrome collection..