There’s never been a sneaker quite like the Nike Air More Uptempo, and if we’re being honest, we’ll probably never get anything like it ever again. Released in 1996, they were worn by Chicago Bulls star Scottie Pippen throughout the NBA season and the Summer Olympics. One year later, they ended up on the feet of another star, this time in Hollywood, where they made a pretty major cameo in 1997’s George of the Jungle. By this point, it was obvious that the Air More Uptempo was a cultural icon. In fact, three decades later, it’s still considered by many to be the best basketball shoe in history.
And there’s really no questioning why. Made to be bold, brash, and beyond beautiful, the Air More Uptempo was, and still is, in a league of its own. If you’re searching for your very first pair, this guide has been made exactly with you in mind. Here, we’ll be covering everything from the design, the fit, and so much more. So, stop what you’re doing and keep it locked here to find out everything that there is to know!
Designed by Wilson Smith, he wanted the Air More Uptempo to be bigger than life. Taking inspiration from pop art and graffiti, the ’90s trainer is world-renowned for its massive “AIR” branding across the sidewalls. The glossy jewel Swoosh around the heel is another design element that’s signature to this shoe.
Generally speaking, the Air More Uptempo fits true to size (TTS). Ideal for both narrow and wide feet, the upper is roomy in just the right way. If it feels a little too spacious for you, we wouldn’t recommend sizing down even by half a size. Instead, consider tightening your laces more, wearing thick socks, or inserting an extra insole.
Pippen adored this sneaker, and even after all this time, it’s still one of the comfiest Nike shoes ever – that sort of reputation doesn’t come by easily. With a heightened ankle for added support and pull tabs on the tongue and heel for convenience, the Air More Uptempo was made to be worn every single day, not only on the hardcourt, but also on the streets too.
Did we even mention the extra chunky Air bubble down below? This runs from the front of the midsole all the way towards the back, offering unrivalled cushioning and response. So, is the Air More Uptempo comfortable? Very much so.
Considering Pippen won a NBA Champion, NBA All-Star, and helped the US go for gold during the 1996 Summer Olympics while wearing the Air More Uptempo, we can confidently say that it’s great for basketball.
Over the years, we’ve seen hundreds if not thousands of colourways get revealed, and all of them perform just as well as the next. Whether they’re crafted from leather or suede or even nubuck, if you saw this shoe on the court, you were in for some competition. The Air More Uptempo has also been part of countless collaborations over the past 27 years. Famously, Supreme released its own take on the old school silhouette in 2017 in three colourways. In 2023, Tokyo’s AMBUSH will be dropping its own version as well which we’re extremely excited about.
While the Air More Uptempo is literally becoming more and more popular by the minute, general release colourways are still generally widely available. This means that you don’t need to join raffles or camp outside stores just to secure your size:
Thinking of getting on the Nike Air More Uptempo hype? Now’s the time. One of the most iconic Nike basketball shoes of all-time, the Scottie Pippen-adored model is an essential part of any sneaker rotation. Inspired by pop art and graffiti, if you’re looking for a trainer that’s sure to turn heads wherever you go, this is the one for you.
