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Continually innovating on styles past and present, this season Nike introduces the Uptempo 720, a hybrid silhouette that merges two striking silhouettes from over 20 years apart. We’re sure you’re probably familiar with the latest 720 models, but most of you probably won’t remember the Uptempo’s debut, so keep reading on and we’ll jog your memory on the classic basketball model and introduce you to its ultramodern upgrade.

Nike has always managed to remain synonymous within basketball. Be it Michael Jordan’s first signature sneaker in 1985, or Penny Hardaway’s Air Foamposite Ones or Air Pennys, the brand has always been the front runner when it comes to performance footwear, and in ’96 another striking silhouette was added to their roster: the Air More Uptempo.

Chicago Bulls’ small forward Scottie Pippen made a name for himself back in 1996 while wearing the rather flamboyant Nike Air More Tempo (later renamed the Uptempo), a black basketball sneaker with a full airbag underfoot and enormous white leather lettering plastered across the side. The style went on to become an icon thanks to its larger than life branding which epitomised the bulky, oversized styles of the era.

Bringing the style into the present, Nike’s updates the classic pair with their all-new Air Max 720 sole unit: a foot-cradling, 360-degree midsole that houses their tallest ever heel bag, standing at an unprecedented 38mm. Red dresses the pairs breathable mesh base and toe box, while the instantly recognisable graffiti-like Air Max branding wraps around the sidewalls in white and black, paying homage to Pippen’s beloved Chicago Bulls.

The Nike Air More Uptempo will be available via the size? website and in selected size? stores on Friday 10^th May, priced at £170.

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