WORDS BY JOSEPH FURNESS
When we think of nineties-era Nike, the Nike Air Foamposite One is, admittedly, not the first sneaker that springs to mind. To be frank, we associate pre-millennium Swoosh with the storied Air Max and Air Jordan lines. Howbeit, the basketball silhouette does hold a special place in our hearts (and our shoe racks), and we thought it's about time we let you in on everything we know about the sneaker.
When was the Nike Air Foamposite One first released?
The Nike Air Foamposite debuted in 1997. Still to this day, the sneaker is like no other.
Who designed the Nike Air Foamposite One?
In the mid-1990s, Eric Avar worked alongside Nike’s Advanced Product Engineering group to design the Nike Air Foamposite. Together, they aimed to create an experimental basketball kick that moulded around the foot like a thick liquid.
What is the Nike Air Foamposite One made of?
To create the foam upper of the Nike Air Foamposite, polyurethane liquid is heated to temperatures up to 175 degrees Fahrenheit and subsequently poured into moulds. The midsole is also made of polyurethane, whilst the Air Foamposite sole is formed around a full-length Air Zoom unit that offers responsive cushioning.
Who first wore the Nike Air Foamposite Ones on the court?
The sneaker was first worn on court by Mike Bibby. At the time, Bibby was playing for the University of Arizona. Just a few weeks later, Penny Hardway got everyone talking about the sneakers when he wore them whilst playing for Orlando Magic.
How much did Nike Air Foamposite Ones cost when they were first released?
Back in 1997, the first Nike Air Foamposite One was released for $180. At the time, this was considered a high price for a basketball sneaker.
What was the original colorway of the Nike Air Foamposite One?
The Nike Air Foamposite One was originally released in a rich blue colorway officially titled ‘Royal’. In 2007 and 2017, Nike re-released the Nike Air Foamposite One ‘Royal’ to celebrate the silhouette’s 10th and 20th anniversary respectively.
How do Nike Air Foamposite Ones fit?
Nike Air Foamposite Ones are a little snug, but may not be tight enough to justify sizing up. Our best advice is to stick with your true size if you have slim or ‘regular’ feet and opt for half a size up if you have wide feet.
Do Nike Foamposites Mold to Your Feet?
Nike Nike Foamposites mould to your feet as the polyurethane upper offers a glove-like fit.
How comfortable is a Nike Foamposite?
Sporting a pair of Nike Air Foamposite Ones is a super comfortable experience – comfortable enough to justify the slightly higher price point.
Why is the Nike Foamposite trending in 2021?
The Nike Air Foamposite One has enjoyed a resurgence of late owing to the Nike x COMME des GARÇONS collaboration. The esteemed brands joined forces in 2021 to deliver an artsy take on the basketball silhouette – available in two colorways: black and white – that features dual branding and a three-dimensional design that some may liken to a water ripple or a fingerprint.
What are the most sought-after Nike Foamposites?
There are plenty of popular Nike Air Foamposite Ones for collectors to get excited about. Below, you will find our top 5, from the Nike x Supreme Air Foamposite One to the Nike Air Foamposite One ‘Doernbecher’.
Nike x Supreme Air Foamposite One
In 2014, Nike teamed up with Supreme to release a rather regal version of the Nike Air Foamposite, available in red and black. The super-sophisticated gold baroque pattern plastered on the upper is juxtaposed with the shoe’s contemporary, idiosyncratic design. The result? A timeless kick, sure to go down in sneaker history.
Nike Air Foamposite One ‘Metallic Gold’
The Nike Air Foamposite One was subject to the Midas touch in 2015; fortunately, this sneaker looks great in gold. Does gold clash with your complexion? Perhaps you’re better off opting for the bronze, silver, or rose gold Foamposite instead.
Nike Air Foamposite One NRG ‘Galaxy’
The Nike Air Foamposite One embraced its otherworldly aesthetic back in 2012 when the Swoosh dropped the Nike Air Foamposite One NRG ‘Galaxy’. Aptly, the resale prices on the cosmic kick are perennially sky high.
Nike Air Foamposite One ‘Alternate Galaxy’
You can think of the ‘Alternate Galaxy’ Foamposite – AKA, the ‘Big Bang’ Foamposite – as the ‘Galaxy’ Foamposite’s younger, more colorful brother. We, for one, certainly didn’t expect the (supposedly) oldest event in history to give the sneaker such a youthful, refreshing twist.
Nike Air Foamposite One ‘Doernbecher’
Elijah Diggins was just 13-years-old when he teamed up with Nike to design a Nike Air Foamposite One. Inspired by his blood cancer and favorite basketball team, Diggins turned the sneaker silhouette into a deep red piece of art imbued with emotions.
Where can I get Nike Foamposites?
Plenty of Nike Air Foamposite Ones are available right here at FARFETCH!