Who's first signature shoe was the hardest??? [PART 3]

First official signature shoe: Nike Air Force Max CB

1) The debut of his first signature shoe - A bright spot for Chuck’s third season with the Phoenix Suns was that he got his first official signature shoe - The Air Force Max CB. The Air Force Max CB was built like a Mack truck. It featured a synthetic nubuck and leather upper with a mid-cut design, an adjustable strap to secure the midfoot, and the memorable 180-degree Max Air cushioning at the heel for impact protection. These shoes to this day are legendary but the Air Max2 CB is way more notable. The Air Max2 CB has mad sneakerhead appeal and resonates with hip-hop culture and swag worldwide.

2) A man of many nicknames - Every hoops fan knows him as the Round Mound of Rebound but Barkley was also known as Chuck, The Chuckster, Sir Charles, Bread Truck, Love Boat, Food World, The Crisco Kid, Wide Load from Leeds, Ton of Fun, and the Goodtime Blimp

3) Whipped into shape by a legend - His 1st season in the league saw Sir Charles landing in Philly as the 5th overall pick by the 76ers in the 1984 NBA Draft, the same draft class as MJ. When he brought his aggressive style of play and chubby physique to town it was NBA legend, Moses Malone that whipped him into pro-level shape which would eventually earn him more playing time during his rookie season unleashing a beast on the boards. That same season he earned an appearance in the Eastern Conference Finals but the Sixers lost to a legendary Celtics team. The ‘84-’85 Sixers was definitely the most successful squad he played with in Philly because he never reached that far in the playoffs again with the 76ers.

4) A bonafide double-double machine - Barkley averaged a double-double (in points and rebounds) in every season of his career except his rookie year. Overall, he ended his career averaging 22.1 points and 11.7 rebounds

8. Penny Hardaway

First shoe: Air Flight 1

First signature shoe: Air Penny

1) His first (unofficial) signature shoe, The Air Flight 1 - This shoe wasn’t technically Penny’s first signature shoe but deserves honourable mention. Highlights of the shoe were the heel and forefoot air cushioning, a great fit, with a funky bubble design. The model was worn by several players around the NBA including when they were famously laced up by Michael Jordan himself after he returned to the NBA from retirement, during a playoff game that season against Penny and the Magic. They were the only shoe Michael would ever lace up in his NBA career that wasn’t his own, which is quite an honour.

2) The Air Penny 1, an instant classic - Designed by Eric Avar (the creative mind behind the Kobe signature line), the shoe offered a heel 180º airbag and a forefoot Zoom Air unit, great traction, and support. The perfect sneaker geared for large mobile guards. The characteristic panels on the side of the shoe offered added containment and represented eagle wings. 

3) The Air Penny 1 introduced Lil’ Penny to the world - There have been many classic sneaker ads throughout the years, but the commercials with Lil’ Penny from the mid 90’s (voiced by Chris Rock) are among the best Nike shoe commercials, hands down! Interestingly enough, Rock wasn’t the first choice for the voice of Lil Penny. Stacy Wall, the creative director of the Lil Penny tv ad spots believes Nike approached Eddie Murphy first, but the legendary comedian declined. Damon Wayans and Martin Lawrence were also candidates. Eventually, Rock landed the gig.

9. Patrick Ewing

First shoe: Adidas Originals Rivalry High