words // Brandon Richard
images // Nick DePaula
While cross-trainers have always been promoted as being equipped for use by any athlete on just about any surface, we've rarely associated any training models with basketball performance. However, when breaking down common characteristics between trainers and basketball sneakers, we're left asking why they don't see the hardwood more often. Secure fits (typically aided by inner bootie construction), maximum impact protection and top-notch surface traction are just some of the elements of a trainer that translate well to the court.
One player that hasn't shunned the cross-trainer as an on-court option this season is New York Knicks forward Amar'e Stoudemire. Despite Nike creating several basketball-specific Player Exclusives for him to wear throughout the season, Amar'e has captured a lot of sneaker headlines this season by sticking by the Nike Zoom Huarache Trainer. Outside of the 2011 NBA All-Star Game and a couple of games where he laced up his trusted Nike Zoom KD II, Amar'e has been fitted in Knicks Player Exclusive colorways of the Zoom Huarache Trainer all season long. Not looking to slow down anytime, here's a look at the exclusive pair Nike Training hooked Amar'e up with for New York's playoff run.
Debuted earlier today at Madison Square Garden as the Knicks hoped to fight off elimination, Amar'e's all orange cobec pair feature a white midsole and midfoot strap, and a semi-translucent royal blue outsole. Unlike the player exclusive colorway of the Zoom Huarache Trainer that STAT wore throughout the regular season, this pair is the first to feature his "AS1" logo along the tongue and custom insole graphics.
Enjoy a detailed look at Amar'e Stoudemire's Zoom Huarache Trainer below, and check back for an exclusive look at two alternate colorways.
