Nike Air Foamposite One

About

The Nike Air Foamposite One is one of basketball's most technologically radical sneakers, designed by Eric Avar and first released in 1997. Originally conceived for Scottie Pippen, who rejected it, the shoe was discovered by Penny Hardaway during a design meeting and immediately claimed as his signature model. The upper is constructed from liquid polyurethane poured into custom molds — the first shoe ever built this way — which softens and conforms to the wearer's foot with body heat. The molds cost $750,000 each, requiring Nike to partner with Daewoo, the Korean automotive manufacturer, as no footwear factory could handle the process. Inspired by the shell of a garden beetle, the design also features a visible carbon fiber midfoot shank and full-length double-stacked Zoom Air heel cushioning. The original Royal Blue colorway made its on-court debut when Mike Bibby wore it during the 1997 NCAA championship game. Penny Hardaway debuted the shoe in the NBA on April 4, 1997 — famously using a black Sharpie to color the grooves and meet league uniform rules. The original retail price of $180 was among the highest of the era.