The year 2013 seems far away, but we’re approaching the mid-point of 2012 – so it’s coming sooner than you think. As you may already know Nike Sportswear has celebrated the 25th Anniversary of its 1987 models by re-releasing them to the public, and a look at this 2013 sample of the Nike Air Trainer ’88 may allude to a return of all the ’88 models (or we can at least expect this Black/Grey/Hot Red sample with reflective uppers). But before you move on to the gallery, we should clear some clutter regarding Air Trainer nomenclature of the last two decades. The ‘Air Trainer ’88′ isn’t the Air Trainer ’88. Sure, it released in 1988, but this model is actually called the Nike Air Trainer TW (none of the original models were given any yearly designation).
So why all the confusion regarding Air Trainer names and such? It started getting a bit ‘out of hand’ (for lack of a better description) between ’87 and ’94 because forty-two different Training and Cross-Training models were released – most of which had the wore ‘Trainer’ in the official name. When the Auburn/Bo Jacksons were re-released, they were called the Air Trainer SC, when it fact the original name was Air Trainer SC III. Moving on from that point, there has been some jumbling of names and Nike hasn’t recovered since. The ‘TW’ line in question debuted in 1988 and was advertised as a lightweight and washable shoe as it was built with ‘washable’ materials like mesh, and based on this sample, it appears ‘TW’ isn’t making a comeback at all and will return simply as the Air Trainer ’88. If you want some clarification on the matter, check out the original Nike ad of the Air Trainer TW below as well as the full gallery of this 2013 sample, and for a complete look, move on to the listing from dballaholic on eBay.
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The Air Penny renaissance at Nike Sportswear continues as Foamposites and Penny’s own Nike Basketball signatures are among today’s most popular releases. And speaking of today’s best drops, this one might take the cake for May 25th, a black nubuck Nike Air Penny II whose Cyber accents have these resembling the ‘Highligher’ Air Max Penny 1 that hit House of Hoops just over a year ago. They’re the perfect foil to the Soar-uppered ‘Sprite’ Penny 2, but with all this neon-accented goodness, how will you choose which pair to purchase? Both of them are limited releases that you’ll be able to find in-store at NSW shops like this black pair at Concepts, and you can see more images after the jump below.
Nike Air Penny II LE
Black/Cyber
535600-003
06/2012
$155
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The Miami-inspired Nike Air Penny II that dropped in 2009 didn’t draw as much attention as the recent releases, perhaps because it wasn’t surrounded by as much ‘heat’. The recent success of the Foamposite series as well as hybrids like the Half Cent and Zoom Rookie has made anything with Penny Hardaway’s ’1c’ insignia a must-have, so it’s easy to predict a quick sell-out for this latest Air Penny 2 release. These ‘Sprite’ Penny IIs come to market with a Soar base layer accented by Cyber hits and the signature swooping midsole in white, an energetic look soon to be joined by a black pair that’s arguably even more of a neck-breaker. We’re still waiting to see when the latter will arrive, but the ‘Sprite’ Air Penny II is hitting the shelves at Nike Sportswear retailers like Premier already, so check out a new round of photos below and let us know which of these neon-accented pairs you’re more likely to cop.
Nike Air Penny II LE
Soar/Cyber-Black-White
535600-431
06/2012
$155
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Earlier today Sneaker News gave you a look at a ‘New York Giants’ colorway of the Air Speed Turf Max, but don’t fret Raider Nation – Nike whipped up something that would be perfect for the Black Hole. Check out this sick Grey/Black colorway of this 90′s Nike Football banger, featuring two shades of the muted grey with pitch black accents on the upper. The regional specificity of this Summer/Fall release is quite clear, but what makes these extra special is that you can rock these with any jersey in any city – that’s just the beauty of grey/black kicks. More of this Air Speed Turf Max below, so take a look and stay tuned for more upcoming Nike previews! Photos: kumastock
Nike Air Speed Turf Max
525225-012
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Is there really a lot to complain about in 2012? Sure, prices have gone up and synthetic leathers aren’t as supple as the real thing, but Nike’s focus on bringing back some of the best sneakers from the pre-Y2K era is paying off for the older sneakerheads, who live and die by the White/Cements and Nike Turf Trainers of the world. Luckily for us, both of those have been brought back this year, and Sneaker News first dropped images of the Air Speed Turf Max Retro, slated to hit in the Summer/Fall season. This first look at a White/Black/Blue/Red colorways absolutely screams ‘I GOT A RING’ as it features a perfect New York Giants outfit that’ll certainly be a popular pick once these hit stores (perfect to match your new Nike NFL uniforms and gear). More images below, so take a look and stay tuned for a look at yet another new colorway of the Air Speed Turf Max! Photos: kumastock
Nike Air Speed Turf Max
525225-401
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You didn’t forget about the Nike Total Griffey Max ’99 did you? The model started off the year pretty strong with a handful of releases popping up in the first couple of months, only to suddenly disappear as winter faded away. If there’s any colorway that can get your attention again though this is it, a white based pair with a supporting cast of colors that has it looking quite ‘Grape’ like. What’s more it comes as the combo probably closest to the fan favorite Mariners look we’ve seen, so these have summer banger written all over them pretty much any way you slice it. Hit the jump for a better look and pick up this Nike Total Griffey Max ’99 now at retailers like Finishline.
Nike Total Griffey Max ’99
White/New Green-Deep Royal
488329-100
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The ‘Olympic’ Air Jordan VII, Scottie Pippen’s Air Much Uptempo and Vince Carter’s Shox BB4 are all returning this summer to celebrate previous USAB gold medal performances, as is this pair pictured above in a different rendition from Nike Sportswear. A street-friendly modern day answer to the ‘Dream Team’ edition, this Volt-accented black nubuck Nike Air Force 180 is another reminder that it was only Michael Jordan who was able to keep the talented and charismatic Charles Barkley from rising to the pinnacle of the NBA and its sneaker scene. These 180 Forces are set to be joined by the other two aforementioned NSW models in this motif; how does the Volt-on-black look compare to the all-neon Zoom Huarache 2K4 from that same pack? Click through for a bit more visual evidence to consult in your decision and stick with Sneaker News for release info. Photos: taobao
Nike Air Force 180
Black/Black-Volt
310095-012
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Spotted during the NBA Jam Live event in China (a six-day NBA showcase presenting some goodies of the American sport to the Chinese fanbase) was Gary Payton wearing the Nike Zoom Flight ’98 ‘The Glove’ in a white PE colorway (you can see his classic ’20′ jersey stitched on the upper). Last November, during a quick chat with a fan, Payton alluded to a Retro release of ‘The Glove’ for the Holiday 2012 season, and although we haven’t come across any updates as of yet, we’ll certainly keep you in the necessary loop. Also present at the event were NBA stars Brandon Jennings and DeMar DeRozan, some up-and-coming NBDL players, and fellow 90′s legend Horace Grant! Check out GP and his Zoom Flight ’98s after the jump and let us know how excited you are about the ‘The Glove’ making a comeback! Photos: NBA China
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