Air More Uptempo '96

The Nike Air More Uptempo stands out as a bold statement in design and functionality, embodying the era’s extravagant fashion and the sport’s dynamic spirit. Designed by Wilson Smith in 1996, this sneaker transcends being just footwear; it’s a symbol of the basketball and sneaker worlds converging.

At its core, the Air More Uptempo is a celebration of Nike’s AIR technology. Smith’s design amplified this feature, incorporating multiple Nike Air units for superior cushioning, wrapped in a leather upper with strategic mesh hits for breathability.

The sneaker’s inception was influenced by the flamboyant style of the 1990s—oversized t-shirts, baggy jeans, and bold jewelry. Smith, drawing inspiration from graffiti and pop art, sought to capture this larger-than-life fashion in Uptempo’s design.

The first colourway of the Air More Uptempo, predominantly black and white, mirrored Pippen’s no-nonsense approach on the court. This model, associated closely with Pippen, showcased the design philosophies of the 90s, which ranged from protective to bulky, yet always eye-catching.

While the Air Jordan line may have dominated sales, the Air More Uptempo carved its niche with its unique branding strategy. At a time when the trend was moving towards subtler branding, as seen with the Air Jordan models, the Air More Uptempo boldly went in the opposite direction. The sneaker’s maximalist ‘AIR’ script, a product of Smith’s architectural background and inspired by the booming graffiti and pop art scenes of the 90s, made a loud statement.