Waffle Love

We don't need to "waffle" about waffles — we love them! So much that the U.S. even has a national Waffle Day proclaimed on August 24. This was established to commemorate the anniversary of the first waffle iron patent.

And yes, this is important for waffle-lovers everywhere that relish the perfect butter and syrup catching breakfast treat (so much more practical then the pancake) or crave the Southern classic of chicken and waffles...but the first waffle iron is even more significant in TrackTown USA.

You ask why is that? Why do the residents of Eugene-Springfield care so much about waffle irons? Well, let me tell you a story...

Once there was a dedicated, passionate track coach and former Olympian named Bill Bowerman. He was coaching the University of Oregon track team which included legendary talent like Steve Prefontaine, famed for winning every collegiate race he ran, and Phil Knight, who later headed up Nike — thanks to Bowerman, as we will learn here.

Coach Bowerman was fascinated by the science and engineering that went into running. He was always searching for better materials and better designs to enhance athletic performance including experimenting with track surfaces (he even had a special rubber track laid at Pleasant Hill High School) and trying out innovative running shoe designs.

One day while considering the grip, cushion and weight of a shoe sole, he spied the kitchen waffle iron. The waffle pattern provided a lighter shoe base with all its air pockets. He fashioned some running shoes with "waffle treads" and tried them out on his runners, getting good results. Eventually, the story goes, his wife put an end to production in the kitchen and so he set up shop in a Booth Kelley warehouse in Springfield to produce and perfect lightweight running shoes at a greater capacity on a customizable press. 

At this time he also partnered with Phil Knight to sell the shoes out of the back of his car at track meets, and then Knight went on to sell them internationally, and this was the beginning of a fledging shoe company that evolved into Nike. All because of a waffle iron!

Memorializing the Waffle Iron

Nike headquarters is now in possession of the original waffle iron but tributes to the waffle pattern have been used in Nike shoe displays at their stores. At Hayward Hall, adjacent Hayward Field, you can also see a re-creation of Bill Bowerman's original workshop where he experimented with waffle soles. This interactive display pays tribute to the waffle iron design along the walls, and his workbench houses a waffle iron, a scale, wooden shoe forms and other tools he employed.

The Graduate hotel in downtown Eugene, known for local collegiate theme embracing academics and sports, has also incorporated waffle irons into their decor from wall texture to waffle iron lamps in the hotel rooms. They also have an extensive shoe collection enshrined around their front desk, so you can see some early Nike shoe designs.

Celebrating the Waffle

So in honor of National Waffle day and the local waffle iron legacy — and as a great excuse to enjoy yourself — plan a meal out for some waffles. These local eateries elevate the waffle to fan-favorite heights and should be top of your waffle-seeking list.

South Hills Cafe

This tiny cafe has an extensive breakfast and lunch menu, but waffles are on it, and if you are craving a good old-fashioned waffle smothered in fresh fruit, this is the place. Topped off with syrup and whipped cream, your morning just got brighter! South Hills Cafe also serves take out.

I Scream For Waffles

And of course there is waffles with ice cream...waffle cones, waffle sandwiches, waffle fries, breakfast waffles and street waffles...this food truck serves if all if it involves a waffle! I Scream For Waffles is sometimes spotted at 7th & Taylor St, Oakshire Brewing and Heritage Distilling, but check their website for current locations and hours of operation.