Nike Air More Uptempo “Black”

Although the ’96 silhouette has been reissued more frequently than other Nike Basketball models, the bold sneaker hasn’t received its debut “Black/White” colorway since April 2016. Since then, the Scottie Pippen-endorsed sneaker has seen iridescent Purple, Chinese New Year-inspired Red/Gold, and even a collaborative trio with Supreme, among other outfits. Yet, the Uptempo’s best release is arguably its first. There’s nothing innately special about the sneaker’s mostly “Black” arrangement, especially when comparing it to landscape in the ’90s, but the simple colorway has allowed the signature “AIR” lettering to make a statement all on its own. Outlined in “White” and covering both sidewalls, the oversized characters were inspired by of-their-era graffiti and Pop Art. And when complemented with a handful of varying-sized Swoosh logos and chunky midsoles, the “AIR” branding becomes just one piece of the audacious-recipe that’s made the Air More Uptempo a classic.