Nike is a world-famous brand, so it’s not surprising seeing famous people wearing a pair of their sneakers. But as more sneakers become released, it becomes harder to track who is wearing them. For example, the Nike Air Uptempo is one of the most well-known Nike sneakers to this day!
But do you know who wore them? If not, keep reading this article so you can stay up to date with sneaker trends!
Basketball and Nike: How the Two Came to Be
Firstly, the Uptempo line was originally created for players that weren’t necessarily power players or “guards”. And before Uptempo sneakers came to be, Force sneakers were ruling the game.
The ever famous Air Force 1 was released in 1982. In later years, Nike would distinguish the models into two main categories: Force and Flight.
Fast players like Michael Jordan wore the Flight sneakers. And bulkier players like Charles Barkley and David Robinson wore the Force models.
And by the 1990s, the way we preserved basketball changed, new players with different skills became more popular. For example, the talented point-forward Penny Hardaway became known as a leader in new-age basketball.
And then the famous Scottie Pippen slowly started transforming the game and became a world-famous player. He wasn’t just an avid Air Jordan supporter, he was also his own person with a unique style.
And later, the need for new Nike Air Mode models was needed. Players needed light and speedy design with loads of support. After this, the rest was history, and the Nike Air More Uptempo were born!
What Are Nike Air More Uptempo?
The Nike Air Uptempo sneakers were first released in 1996. The sneaker made headlines because of its unique design and style. For example, the word “Air” is written in bold letters on the body of the shoe.
The actual design of the shoe is considered a high top with some support on the soles. Overall, Nike Air Uptempo sneakers are definitely meant for those who love to make a statement.
Nike Air More Uptempo 96
The Nike Air Uptempo 96 sneakers were first worn by Scottie Pippen a famous Bulls basketball player. He first wore the Nike air more uptempo mens’, at the fourth NBA title. He then wore them at the sixth All-Star Game and the 1996 Olympic games.
Interestingly enough, Pippen admitted that at first, he thought the shoes were a little overwhelming. However, he wore the sneakers and they would later become a staple in the basketball player’s wardrobe.
In later years, the original Nike Air More Uptempo would change to different designs and versions. Eventually, other players began wearing them as well!
Nike Air Max Uptempo
The Nike Air Max Uptempo became famous for being the first Nike sneaker to have a complete Air unit. These sneakers became very popular among basketball fans because of their unique design and comfortability. These sneakers were mostly worn by avid basketball fans!
Air Max Uptempo III
In 1997, the Air Max Uptempo line extended into the Air Max Uptempo, or as others like to call them the Air Max Uptempo ’97. The sneaker had the biggest Air bubble when compared to previous releases.
The design of the shoe has a bulky-like design and a supportive midsole. You can also see some fairly large teardrops and wavy lines above the midsole. This model is mostly worn by basketball fans, because of the streetwear design!
Nike Air Total Max Uptempo
The Total Max Uptempo is very similar to the Air Max Uptempo III since they both have the full Air feature. However, the Total Max Uptempo has a smoother design than the Uptempo III upper.
The Total Max Uptempo became very popular through 1997 and 1998, when Reggie Miller, who wore them to his season. He also appeared in many of the ads for these sneakers, so many people associate this sneaker with Reggie Miller!
Nike Vis Zoom Uptempo
The Nike Vis Zoom Uptempo was not too popular during their first release. In fact, the Nike Uptempo name was pretty much dead in 1999, which many people today don’t understand.
The sneakers had “zoom” technology, which made it easier for players to run. And the design of the show was very unique and ahead of its time. Luckily, in 2012, the sneakers were modified and were mostly worn by LeBron. The shoe garnered some traction, and now Nike uses the same high-performance technology to make other sneakers!
Nike Air Max2 Uptempo
The Air Max2 CB signature and the Air Max2 Uptempo were one of the first shoes to incorporate Air Max2 technology. However, the Nike Air Max2 Uptempo has a slightly modified version when compared to the original Nike Air Max sneakers.
For example, the Nike Air Max2 Uptempo has air chambers strategically placed inside the sole. The chamber also has various quantities of air pressure for a more natural cushion.
These sneakers are not seen as much on famous NBA courts. However, these Air Max2 Uptempo sneakers did become popular among college basketball players. For example, players from UCONN and Duke all used these sneakers in 1995.
The Best Guide to Nike Air Uptempo
The ever-famous Nike Air Uptempo has been worn by famous players since the start of the model. And now, these sneakers are considered a classic in the sneaker world. So if you want to be a part of this legacy, get some Nike Air Uptempo sneakers today.
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