Why Michael J. Fox Wore Nike Bruins in 'Back to the Future'

The Nike Bruin wasn't originally supposed to be in 'Back to the Future."

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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Although it's expected to debut tonight, the power-lacing Nike Mag won't be for sale until next year, but there is one Back to the Futuresneaker that released today. While not celebrated as much as the Mag, the Bruin does play a role in the famous movie series. We know the Mag was designed specifically for Back to the Future II, but the Bruin found its way into the movie by chance.

Russ Bengtson explained how Marty McFly's costume was missing a pair of sneakers, when Michael J. Fox showed up to the set wearing a beat up pair of Nike Bruins. Rather than go retrieve the forgotten pair, director Robert Zemeckis found the Bruins to be consistent with teenage fashion at the time, and kept them as part of the wardrobe. They did have the Nike branding removed from the tongue and heel before letting the cameras roll though, which explains why today's release mimics that design alteration. Clever move by Nike to reintroduce the Mag and Bruin on Back to the Future Day.

Read the full story at Collider.