Scottie Pippen is about to obtain extra retro sneaker love subsequent yr with the reissue of the Nike Air Flight Lite Mid.
Whereas not one Pippen’s signature sneakers — these would come later — the Air Flight Lite Mid was famously worn by the Bulls small ahead throughout the ‘91-’92 NBA season and as he suited up for the US’ “Dream Staff” on the 1992 Summer time Olympics. A purple and white model of the shoe was made particularly for him to put on throughout the common season, and that very mannequin shall be re-released by Nike in 2022.
Initially launched in high-, mid-, and low-top variations, the Air Flight Lite was one of many lightest basketball sneakers of its time and featured a luxurious collar to associate with Air cushioning. A static patterned inside added a level of pop together with a velvety Swoosh, and though the element didn’t seem within the Air Flight Lite’s authentic run, Nike has added Pippen’s personal emblem onto the insole to drive dwelling the affiliation.
The start of Pippen’s Nike run — After being drafted by the Bulls in 1987, Pippen rotated between sneakers from Avias and Nike till 1991. The Air Flight Lite was the primary sneaker he wore upon committing to Nike completely, and sneakers carefully related to him would go on to incorporate the Air Flight Huarache and Air Max Uptempo.
Pippen’s personal line of signature sneakers would start in 1996 throughout the Bull’s second string of three consecutive NBA titles. The Air Pippen 1 took cues from the Air Max Uptempo, including his personal zig-zagging higher with jeweled accents. Subsequent fashions would transfer on from the chunky silhouette to change into extra glossy, and 6 fashions in whole would launch earlier than Pippen retired from the NBA.
The return of Pippen’s Air Flight Lite ought to be welcomed by old skool sneakerheads and basketball fanatics steeped within the historical past of the sport. And whereas a launch date has but to be confirmed, we are able to count on the sneaker to drop in some unspecified time in the future subsequent yr for $120.
