In celebration of SLAM Magazine’s 30th anniversary, a special edition of the iconic Foamposite One appears in collaboration with the basketball-centric magazine. The collaboration honors the enduring legacy of both Penny Hardaway and the legendary sneaker, with a design that nods to the origins of the Foamposite and the significance of SLAM’s coverage of Hardaway’s career.
The Foamposite One has long been regarded as one of the most groundbreaking basketball shoes ever made. Penny Hardaway recalls his first encounter with the futuristic sneaker, designed by Eric Avar, and how it immediately became his next signature shoe. The “neon royal” colorway and the molded Foamposite material turned heads back in 1997, and the shoe’s legacy has only grown over time.
SLAM’s 30th-anniversary edition brings something truly special. The design is inspired by Avar’s original sketches from 1995, including a printed graphic on the molded Foamposite upper, reminiscent of the blue shading that Avar envisioned in his early drafts. The sneaker also debuts a Swoosh along the shank of the shoe, a detail that was part of Avar's initial design but has never been seen on the Foamposite before.
The collaboration incorporates several touches that celebrate both Hardaway’s legacy and SLAM’s impact on basketball culture. The tongue and heel logos alternate between Hardaway’s iconic 1 Cent logo and SLAM’s own branding, while the insoles feature graphics inspired by the famous Scoop Jackson-penned cover story that featured Hardaway in SLAM’s 30th issue. To further honor the magazine’s anniversary, the packaging showcases Avar’s original sketch, along with lyrical excerpts from Jackson’s influential writing.
The shoe is not only a celebration of Penny Hardaway’s enduring influence on the game but also a tribute to SLAM’s role in chronicling basketball history. The Friends & Family edition of the SLAM x Nike Foamposite One is set to be a limited release, and with its exclusive design and commemorative details, it’s sure to be a collector’s item for fans of both the magazine and the sneaker. Expect the release to be one of the standout pieces in the world of basketball culture this year.
Enjoy looks at the pair credits to Nick Depaula and Slam Magazine. Make sure to keep your eyes on our twitter as we wait for a possible red iteration of the foamposite one pro to appear.
Read These
Keep ScrollingServing up your next slice of heat