A grainy image of the shoes worn by the suspect sought in connection with the pipe bombs found at the Republican and Democratic national committees
Sleuths online have identified them as the Nike Air Max Speed Turf.
Image: FBI

Sneaker fans may know the Air Max Speed Turf as a style from the mid-1990s. Nike reintroduced them in 2012 and released more versions in 2018, including two color combinations that might be the shoes seen on the suspect. Unlike widely distributed styles, such as Nike’s popular Air Force 1, there aren’t millions of pairs on streets around the US, and while they are available on resale sites such as eBay and StockX, they aren’t traded with the same fervor as sought-after styles such as Air Jordans. That means a limited number of people probably own a pair, and the distinctive look makes them relatively easy to spot.

It isn’t the best lead the FBI could have hoped for, but federal authorities so far have few clues as to the suspect’s identity, according to the Associated Press. They are also concerned about the potential for more threats involving explosives or armed violence as the inauguration approaches and Trump leaves office.

The FBI has enlisted help from the public as it tries to identify all the individuals accused of illegally entering the Capitol, assaulting police, and having items such as homemade bombs during the Jan. 6 riot. Many should prove easier to catch since their faces were caught clearly on camera, and a number have already been arrested.

📬 Sign up for the Daily Brief

Our free, fast, and fun briefing on the global economy, delivered every weekday morning.