20 Things You Didn't Know About the Nike Foamposite

From who made the Foamposties to why Foams were so expensive, here are 20 things you didn't know about the classic Nike Foamposite sneakers.

Nike Air Foamposite One OG
Nike

Image via Nike

Nike Air Foamposite One OG

When the Nike Foamposite One first dropped in 1997, it was like nothing anyone had ever seen before, but people wore it in some impressive performances. The sleek $180 shoe had no Nike branding on the upper, save a small Swoosh near the toe. Its synthetic upper and prominent carbon plate gave the shoe a decidedly futuristic look—one that many sneaker designers still strive to achieve.

With interest in Foams still going strong over 20 years after their launch, here are 20 things you didn't know about the Nike Foamposite.

No one thought the Nike Air Foamposite One was possible.

Nike Foamposite One Diagram

The Nike Air Foamposite One was not designed for Penny Hardaway.

Scottie Pippen Penny Hardaway

The Nike Air Foamposite One was inspired by a beetle.

Nike Foamposite Beetle

People thought the Foamposite’s technology would ruin the footwear industry.

Nike Vaporfly Elite Flyprint

Daewoo made the Foamposite concept happen.

Daewoo Nubira CDX

The upper of the Foamposite begins as liquid.

Nike Air Foamposite One Liquid

Foamposite is created at a specific temperature range.

Temperature Gauge

Here’s why Foamposites are so expensive.

Nike Air Foamposite One Diagram

The Nike Air Foamposite One’s midsole had to be five times stronger than a traditional sneaker’s.

Nike Foamposite One Sole Diagram

The original prices of the Air Foamposite One and Foamposite Pro were different.

Nike Air Foamposite Pro Eastbay

Foamposites didn’t originally sell well.

Nike Air Foamposite One Original

The NBA didn't approve of the Nike Air Foamposite One.

Nike Air Foamposite One Sharpie

Penny Hardaway didn't debut the Nike Air Foamposite One.

Mike Bibby Air Foamposite One

Penny Hardaway had player exclusives in 1997.

Penny Hardaway Orlando Nike Air Foamposite One PE

Tim Duncan was the first player to wear Foamposites in an All-Star Game.

Tim Duncan Air Foamposite Pro

The Nike Air Foamposite One was limited.

Nike Air Foamposite One Sweden

The original Foamposite molds were destroyed.

Nike Air Foamposite One Original Pair

The phone number has been disconnected.

Nike Air Foamposite One Ad

Nike's Foamposite technology was turned into a clog.

Nike Clogposite

The Nike Air Foamposite One was the first sneaker someone tried to trade their car for.

Nike Air Foamposite One Car Trade