Nike Air More Uptempo

It's true that during the 1990s the Chicago Bulls favoured Air Jordan sneakers, as did the entire league, though various other iterations marked that era, including Scottie Pippen's Nike Air More Uptempo.

In order to honour the '96s and the iconic season in Illinois, the Smooth brand is taking the initiative to re-launch the original model of this mythical pair shod by "Da Pip'". The launch of the sneaker was announced for the month of April, but to the delight of fans of the brand, it will be advanced by a good month since we can already see the Nike Air More Uptempo in the windows of some shops.

As mentioned above, the trainer was propelled by Scottie Pippen who wore it during the 1995/96 NBA season, so the design takes advantage of the brand's flagship representative. Since then, the Air More Uptempo has become a must-have for everyone.  The design, reinterpreted by Supreme, demonstrates its iconic place in the hearts of many sneakerheads, but also in the hearts of the 90's generation.

It was undoubtedly the best year in the history of the brand, as far as the world of basketball kicks is concerned, with profiles that have become totally timeless. Whether it's the Air Jordan 11, the Air Max Penny or the Air More Uptempo, the different looks remain unparalleled in an era where nothing was impossible.

In 1996, when the enthusiasm for trainers designed specifically for parquet floors was booming, Nike introduced the Air More Uptempo. Straight out of Wilson Smith's imagination, the Uptempo sneaker features a striking and imposing design, remarkable for the mythical "AIR" inscription on its quarter panel.

While Penny's Air More Uptempo sneaker remains a bit of a secret in Europe (albeit a coveted one), the More Uptempo is still the ultimate in this golden age. The Nike Uptempo trainer with those three imposing letters AIR, remains identifiable among the many versions. For fans of the Scottie Pippen design, an innovative iteration called the Copy Paste will be introduced, a combo of some of the Smooth's finest models.

The Nike Air More Uptempo sneaker is easily identifiable thanks to the imposing "Air" on each side. The design is not too flashy despite the plain black colour scheme, and has been the signature model of the iconic Nike brand, although the usual logo is now more discreet, appearing only on the bottom of the sole and on the back of the sneaker in the heel area, whereas it used to be prominent on both sides.

A famous pair of basketball shoes with a rather imposing look that we will have the pleasure to get also in an original version, since this one is not a vintage version but a real OG. The perfect trainer that collectors covet and that brand aficionados are particularly fond of. A very well thought-out model, notwithstanding the purists who will not fail to vociferate that it is an outrage, the others will rather see it as a current trend and a beautiful heritage of a glorified era.

The Nike Air More Uptempo is one of the great classics that Nike is updating to make it accessible to the current generation. The brand has already been working on the 2022 season with the innovative "Cobalt Bliss" colour, which is somewhat classic, but not lacking in elegance and prestige. The sole of the Uptempo trainer is classic, made of a white leather closely linked to a cream-coloured outsole, but a totally new touch is added: an imposing shiny swoosh (a nod to the Air Grudge...) appears on the outside of the foot as a reminder of the patent leather of the Jordan 11 version, and an egg-shaped patch on the inside of the foot, which was frequently seen in the 96s.

The identity of the More Uptempo is very much present, with the iconic air bubble extending under the entire foot, and the mini swoosh on the front. The elaborate upper is made of ebony black suede with the famous "AIR" cigar in capital letters on a light blue and white overlay. The front of the pair is also white with a black Swoosh. The sole is also black and white, in a zebra pattern!

The Nike Air More Uptempo really stands out because it is also part of the AIR range.  This version, which is ideal for everyday wear, really set the basketball world on fire in the 90s. The atypical Nike sneaker is now created specifically to carry kids, women and men on its own path with a mythical look and the durable, oh-so-pleasant comfort of Air cushioning. Dressed in genuine leather combined with synthetic leather, it is reminiscent of a vintage design, while offering durability and optimal support.

The Air More Uptempo trainer, far from failing to live up to its reputation, perfectly incorporates the Air unit, which provides maximum cushioning with every step. The "AIR" lettering in capital letters is a nice nod to 1990s graffiti. The Nike Air trainer sits comfortably on a foam sole for added cushioning and flexibility.