Image via Complex Original
Written by Ben Berry (@B3nBerry), contributor at The Hoop Doctors.
I really like sneakers, but the biggest thing that keeps me from having a lot more is the price. It is true that as the technology used in basketball sneakers have improved, the price changes to justify adding the revolutionary tech. A move that makes sense but doesn't help quench my thirst for footwear. The purchase of a sneaker you are on the fence about can be justified a lot easier by a low price tag. With price likely being the largest factor when choosing kicks for many, I decided to list 10 of the best classic basketball sneakers available for under retail at Foot Locker right now.
While it is true that all of the pairs listed here aren't on the cutting edge of sneaker technology, they were years ago and are strong enough silhouettes to stand the test of time and even translate well from the court to the streets.
Check out this list of 10 classic basketball sneakers that you can pick up at Foot Locker right now. Did I mention every pair of kicks listed here is under retail? Thank me later.
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Nike Air Force One High
Originally Released: 1982
Price: $80
It has been well documented that the Air Force One is nearly indestructable, so pick up a pair, twist your strap to the back a la Rasheed Wallace, and try not to get kicked out of the game. Ball don't lie indeed.
BUY HERE
Reebok Pump Twilight
Originally Released: 1990
Price: $110
This is the Reebok Pump that The Human Highlight Reel wore when winning the 1990 NBA Slam Dunk Contest against Kenny Smith in the final round. This white-on-white look is right up the alley of Rick Ross but he likely won't be throwing these on anytime soon. Then again he might and I.A.E.N.O
BUY HERE
Nike Air Flight One
Originally Released: 1995
Price: $90
Not only can you get the same colorway that Michael Jordan wore during an NBA game (can even chop the #1 heel tab off for good measure to truly be like Mike), there is also this very Magic-esque colorway that would make even Penny proud.
BUY HERE
adidas Top Ten 2000
Originally Released: 1996
Price: $60
Before Kobe was putting on for the Swoosh, he was an adidas guy from the minute he joined the NBA. The Feet You Wear-laided Top Ten 2000 will always be associated with Bryant, so it isn't a bad idea to scoop the pair in Lakers colors.
adidas T-MAC 1
Originally Released: 2002
Price: $90
Ontop of the OG black & blue pair, other colorways of the T-MAC 1 available give a nod to McGrady's time as a Houston Rocket as well as the current Year Of The Snake.
Nike Air Max 2 Strong
Originally Released: 1995
Price: $110
With "Anti-Inversion" straps that work alongside an inner bootie system, the Air Max 2 Strong is one of those sneakers that can still perform in the NBA today despite being an almost 20-year-old shoe.
Nike Zoom Hyperflight
Originally Released: 2001
Price: $130
The Zoom Hyperflight is one of those sneakers that are a hit or miss with a lot of ballers. On sale are the Kobe Bryant & Kevin Durant-inspired pairs that released in May of this year.
adidas Real Deal
Originally Released: 1997
Price: $84
Worn by Antoine Walker of the Boston Celtics in 1997, the adidas Real Deal saw its return a few months ago on the feet of current Celtic Avery Bradley. Since then, the Real Deal has released alongside other adidas sneakers with the same colorway but the color blocking tends to look better on this shoe.
Nike Air Flight '89
Originally Released: 1989
Price: $70
The Air Flight '89 shares not only a release year with the Jordan IV, it also shares the same midsole. With red suede versions of multiple Jordans releasing later this year, this is the perfect chance to get that same look at a fraction of the cost. Likely will be a sneaker you regret not buying down the road.
Reebok Answer IV
Originally Released: 2001
Price: $110
Swizz Beatz has been digging in different kinds of crates than he usually does as acting Creative Director for Reebok. Revivng the Allen Iverson line, the fourth sneaker from the Answer series as worn during AI's '00-'01 MVP season can be picked up in both new & original colorways.
