words // Luis Sanchez
With last season's NBA All-Star Weekend taking place in Central Florida, NSW and Nike Basketball ran with a space exploration theme inspired by the nearby Kennedy Space Center for their 2012 ASG footwear. The 'Galaxy' footwear collection nearly overshadowed All-Star weekend itself, causing riots nationwide as sneakerheads tried desperately to get their hands on pairs.
With the release of the NSW X SC 'Galaxy' Zoom Rookie upon us, we decided to relive some galaxy memories that are definitely still fresh in the minds of some sneakerheads. From the first-ever 'Galaxy' Foams worn by Gentry Humphrey, to the Zoom Rookie everyone is so eagerly awaiting, we take a look back one of the most creative footwear collections we've ever seen from the Swoosh.
Continue on for a look back at the entire 2012 'Galaxy' Footwear Collection by Nike.
Unreleased Galaxy Foamposite One worn by Gentry Humphrey 2011 SC x NSW Penny Pack Release
The Galaxy craze first began nearly a year ago at the release of the Sole Collector x NSW Penny Collection at Nike Las Vegas. Nike Sportswear Category Footwear Leader Gentry Humphrey laced up the out of this world Air Foamposite One for the historic occasion, featuring the much-lighter original galaxy print.
Nike Air Foamposite One NRG - Galaxy
Looking back, the release of the 'Galaxy' Air Foamposite One during NBA All-Star Weekend 2012 was one of the most chaotic sneaker releases of the last decade. The 'Galaxy' Foam One saw cancelled releases all across the nation, with multiple House of Hoops locations never actually releasing their stock. The release version sported a darker galaxy pattern as compared to the early sample rocked by Gentry.
Nike Flight One NRG - Galaxy
Somewhat forgotten in the middle of all the Foamposite One madness during All-Star Weekend 2012 was the Galaxy-inspired Flight One by NSW. With the NBA All-Star Game returning to Penny's first home in the NBA, the Flight One made its return to retail for the first time since its original release back in 1995. Aside from the original Orlando Magic colorway, the Flight One dropped in a 3M covered colorway featuring a galaxy liner, glow-in-the-dark pods and a "Remove before Flight" patch on the tongue.
Nike Dunk High Premium NRG - Galaxy Pack
The 'Galaxy' Dunk High Pack by Nike Sportswear were arguably some of the most creative sneakers in the entire galaxy collection by Nike. The pack featured three looks for the classic Dunk High, each inspired by space exploration with unique graphics throughout the upper, NASA-inspired logos, a galaxy liner and removable velcro Swoosh branding inspired by patches on a typical spacesuit.
Nike Zoom KD IV ASG - Galaxy
The 'Galaxy' Nike Zoom KD IV was released as part of Nike Basketball's 2012 All-Star footwear collection. KDs ASG kicks were inspired by a notable Oklahoma astronaut, with the mission patch on the tongue paying tribute to KD's 2010 H.O.R.S.E championship. Durant earned his first career ASG MVP Award in the iconic 'Galaxy' KD IV.
Nike LeBron 9 ASG - Galaxy
Hailing from the state of Ohio which is home to more astronauts than any other state, Akron native LeBron James laced up the LeBron 9 in a spacesuit-inspired orange dominated colorway. LeBron mistakenly confused the inspiration behind the ASG 9, stating they were inspired by the hottest flame known at an event during All-Star Weekend 2012.
Nike Zoom Kobe VII ASG - Galaxy
Kobe Bryant was also laced with galaxy kicks for all-star weekend, with the Zoom Kobe VII rounding out the signature trio for Nike Basketball. The space-inspired Kobe VII featured a telescopic graphic throughout the upper, with the Black Mamba's mission patch featuring a snake for obvious reasons.
Nike Hyperdunk 2011 Low - Galaxy - Deron Williams PE
Nike Basketball also dressed the Hyperdunk 2011 Low for the galaxy theme, lacing Nets' Guard Deron Williams with the player exclusive kicks. The HD 2011 Low PE featured a blue-based build, starry midsole, glow-in-the-dark outsole, and the galaxy laces everyone seemed to love.
Nike Air Max Hyperdunk 2011 - Galaxy - LaMarcus Aldridge PE
LaMarcus Aldridge of the Portland TrailBlazers made his first career NBA All-Star Game appearance in Galaxy kicks, lacing up the Air Max Hyperdunk 2011. The Portland big man rocked a red-based look for the Western Conference, featuring metallic gold accents, galaxy laces and liner, and a star covered midsole.
Nike Zoom Hyperenforcer - Galaxy - Andre Iguodala PE
The final Nike Basketball model to receive a galaxy makeover was the Zoom Hyperenforcer, rocked by then Sixers Forward Andre Iguodala. The Iguodala Hyperenforcer ASG PE donned a star-covered base, galaxy laces, glow-in-the-dark soles and an "AI" mission patch on the tongue.
Nike Air Max Sweep Thru - Galaxy - Amar'e Stoudemire PE
Possibly getting a little too ahead of themselves, Nike Basketball also mocked up galaxy kicks for Amar'e Stoudemire. Amar'e never actually made the Eastern Conference All-Star squad, and didn't lace his Sweep Thru PE's until St. Patrick's Day with the NYK's alternate green uniforms. The 'Galaxy' Hyperenforcer featured a blue base, a galaxy-covered mid foot strap and laces, and a glow-in-the-dark outsole.
Nike Zoom Hyperdunk 2011 Supreme BG - Galaxy
Before the arrival of the Zoom Rookie, everyone was eagerly awaiting the release of the galaxy-inspired Hyperdunk 2011 Supreme Blake Griffin PE. For some reason or another, Blake's galaxy Hyperdunk Supreme never hit retail and quickly became one of the most coveted styles in the Nike Galaxy Collection. Just like the rest of Nike Basketball's 2012 ASG sneakers, the Hyperdunk 2011 Supreme BG donned galaxy detailing with a moon print upper setting them apart from the rest.
Nike Zoom Rookie - Galaxy - Penny Hardaway PE
Fittingly enough, the debut of the 'Galaxy' Zoom Rookie was made on none other than the feet of Penny Hardaway himself. Penny's 1-of-1 'Galaxy' Rookies displayed a one of a kind galaxy print, utilizing bright pink hues with hits of purple, and a glow-in-the-dark sole.
Nike x Sole Collector Zoom Rookie 'Galaxy'
Coming full-circle since the original 'Galaxy' Foam One was seen for the first time at last year's launch of the NSW x SC Penny Pack, today brings us the much anticipated NSW x Sole Collector Zoom Rookie 'Galaxy.' The Sole Collector exclusive features glow-in-the-dark pods, SC swatch branding hidden under the mission patch on the tongue, and a unique galaxy print unlike any previous release.
Nike Zoom Rookie - Galaxy
Completing the 2012 'Galaxy' Footwear Collection by Nike, Nike Sportswear will be releasing the 'Galaxy' Zoom Rookie next month in limited quantities. The release version is slightly different from the Sole Collector collaboration, utilizing black pods and classic Nike branding under the mission patch on the tongue. The 'Galaxy' Zoom Rookie will release October 6th at select NSW retailers worldwide.
