Nike Zoom GP "Seattle Supersonics"
The Seattle Supersonics are well remembered for their run as a Western Conference powerhouse during the late 90s, whether it was just because of Gary Payton and Shawn Kemp or the entire team. To commemorate those golden years, Nike has now paid some homage to them by re-releasing Payton’s highly popular Nike Zoom GP shoes, exactly 20 years after they initially debuted.
The Nike Zoom GP has a very in-your-face design that is quite similar to Gary Payton’s own attitude. Eric Avar, popular for having designed a number of Kobe Bryant’s signature shoes, designed the Glove. Eric’s design offers a number of compelling features and fine details such as an asymmetrical lace cover, a uniquely designed mudguard which offers cut-out oval detailing, and a clip lockdown system that took inspiration from ski boots.
Beyond the look, the shoes are quite the treat when it comes to their material and their performance as well. With an upper made up of full-grain white/black leather, the shoe makes a clear design and color way choice. The upper is also embellished with an embroidered large Swoosh, which is as in-your-face as it can get. The midsole of the shoe is packed with responsive Zoom Air cushioning. This design helps the shoe gear itself towards support, lockdown, and quickness, all hallmarks for a defender’s style of play, especially an aggressive one’s. At the same time, it also offers a number of key features found in Nike’s current shoes for guards.
While Gary Payton played with many other popular shoes such as the Zoom Hawk Flight and the Zoom Glove, the Nike Zoom GP was the first signature shoe made for him. The re-release of the shoe is bound to be popular among old school NBA, Sonics, and Nike Basketball fans, along with being a pure delight to those who followed Gary Payton’s career. It still looks way ahead of time 20 years later and is currently available for $160, having launched on the 20th of April.
Nike Zoom GP "Seattle Supersonics"
Releasing 5/18/2019
Men's (8-13) $160
AR4342-300
