Image via Complex Original
Classic Sneakers Lead
Many sneakers are works of art in their own right. These classic kicks possess an aura that transcends generations — such that a sneaker that was originally released twenty-one years ago is favorited by twenty-one-year-olds today. Though these kicks have the ability to age well like a Bordeaux grape, it's also possible that their performance can be enhanced (sans HGH). The guys in the labs at Nike and adidas ensure that sneaker tech stays cutting edge, and what better silhouette to apply it to than a classic? Anybody want a lighter Air Max 1? How about an Air Jordan II built for maximum comfort? Yup, we'll take 'em. Peep our Top 10 Classic Sneakers With Modern Technology.
Converse Chuck Taylor
10. Converse Chuck Taylor All Star — Converse All Star 2000
Released: 1917, 1996
With sales in the millions, Chucks are of the most popular sneakers of all time. But have you ever tried to hoop in them? Yeah, people actually used to do that, and their knees paid the price. In steps the All Star 2000, which incorporated all of the classic heritage of the original Chuck Taylor along with a Converse "REACT" fluid support system and an updated sole. Bet Wilt wishes he could have played in these.
Jordan 8
9. Air Jordan VIII — Air Jordan 8.0
Released: 1993, 2011
Let's be real, the Jordan VIII was a very avant-garde design. It was also super heavy. The 8.0 has received mixed reviews thus far but, with time, people are likely to give in to its lighter design and premium materials, and then finally get busy on the court in them — just like Jordan did.
Air Flow
8. Nike Air Flow — Nike Lunar Flow
Released: 1989, 2011
The Air Flow was originally designed to elicit an organic, "naked" running experience via superior breathability and comfort. A Lunar sole and fused upper makes the shoe even lighter and more comfortable. Yeah, the Lunar Flow is like a sneaker that's a sock that is a sneaker — it's just that limitless.
Air Jordan II
7. Air Jordan II — Air Jordan 2.0
Released: 1986, 2011
With its Italian influence and styling, the Air Jordan II largely introduced luxury to basketball sneakers. With almost all of the Air Jordan II intact, except for full-length Air Max tooling, the 2.0 literally took the Jordan II to the max.
Nike Air Force 1
6. Nike Air Force 1 — Nike Air Force 1 Hyperfuse
Released: 1982, 2011
It goes without saying that the Air Force 1 is a masterpiece. It's the type of sneaker that's never needed help standing out despite its perfect simplicity. Introducing Hyperfuse to the AF1 allows it to be much lighter, breathable and seamless. Oh yeah, they also look awesome. (They did the same to the Dunk, but the AFI High with the strap was next-level.)
Nike Air Flight Huarache
5. Nike Air Flight Huarache — Nike Air Huarache BBall 2012
Released: 1992, 2012
We've seen numerous Huaraches release since '91, most notably with Zoom Air technology. However, unlike these other models, the BBall looks to be taking it back to basics and keeping many of the design cues of the OG, Fab Five worn Air Flight Huarache. With the neoprene inner bootie intact and "flex-bottom" Free-inspired outsoles, you can definitely catch us on the blacktop in these come Spring '12.
adidas Forum
4. adidas Forum Mid — adidas Forum Mid Crazy Light
Released: 1984, 2011
The Forum went from basketball to lifestyle, and now it's back to performance. With Crazy Light tech and an EVA midsole, one has to wonder how many headspins a b-boy could get off in these nuvo Forums?
Air Max 90
3. Nike Air Max 90 — Nike Air Max 90/360
Released: 1990, 2006
Classic comfort — nostalgia wrapped in 360 Air Max cushioning. Hybrids usually don't bode well but this one was definitely a winner and the best of the "One Time Only" project; hard to imagine anything "Infrared" ever being a fail.
Air Jordan I
2. Air Jordan I — Air Jordan Alpha I
Released: 1985, 2009
It's crazy to think that the Air Jordan I was actually banned by the NBA at one point. While the NBA doesn't always make the best decisions (see: the latest lockout), and the Jordan I wasn't actually banned because of its performance features, it probably wouldn't hold up against other kicks on the court today. But what if it had Zoom Air cushioning and a synthetic upper? Yeah, the Alpha was that upgraded version that was worn by the likes of Dwyane Wade and Ray Allen.
Air Max 1
1. Nike Air Max 1 — Nike Air Max 1 Hyperfuse
Released: 1987, 2011
With the Air Max 1, Tinker basically started a sneaker revolution with its exposed Air bag. Wonder how it feels to sit back and watch the youngest and brightest footwear developers add to his classics (even before the Hyperfuse there was the Flywire-enhanced Air Maxim). Performance plus homage obviously equals success. (Respect to the Air Max 90 Hyperfuse here as well, but in this case the first shall be last and the last shall be first. Or something like that anyway.)
