Zack Schlemmer 
Coming as a surprise to everyone, the Nike Air Pressure will receive a very unexpected retro release this Thursday, January 14th. The announcement of the shoe’s first ever retro was a bit of a shock to most of us who never expected to see it return, especially on such short notice with a release only days after the unveiling. Before anybody can get their hands on the retros, we’ll take a look back to the past with an original pair of Nike’s answer to the Reebok Pump from 1989.
Notoriously known by vintage collectors as an extremely fragile sneaker because its foam housing for the pump technology has literally turned to dust over the years on most remaining pairs, the new retro is a godsend for all fans of the bold high-top silhouette. Crumbling now or not, the air pump system was a relatively primitive technology by Nike’s standards even in 1989, probably due to the fact that it was likely rushed to get it on the market to compete with Reebok’s Pump. That being said, it was no less cool in ’89, and was a sought-after sneaker and status symbol thanks to the high $170 price tag.
We just so happen to have an OG pair here at the Sneaker News office, complete with the original plastic sling case, pump gun, user’s manual, and even the rarely seen paper sleeve wrapping the box. Take a look at what twenty-seven years has done to the Air Pressure, and let’s all be glad that Nike used some better foam this time around for Thursday’s retro of the legendary sneaker.
