Historically speaking, the 1996 NBA draft was one of the most prominent draft classes of all-time. From the likes of Allen Iverson to Kobe Bryant, this draft class produced three different NBA MVPs, 10 unique NBA All-Stars, and over 15 NBA championship rings. In addition, great sneakers sprouted from this class as well. Here is a look back at not only the career of those players, but also the shoe evolution of each.

Allen Iverson, Pick #1 to Philadelphia 76ers

Allen Iverson getting coached up at Georgetown in the Nike Air Up

Allen Iverson at Georgetown in the Air Jordan 11 "Concord"

Allen Iverson in the Reebok Question

Allen Iverson at the Finals in the Reebok Answer IV

Allen Iverson in the Reebok Question Mid in 2012

Read the rest of The Shoe Evolution of the 1996 NBA Draft Class

© Jeffrey Kahn for NiceKicks.com, 2012. | Permalink | 12 comments |
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Post tags: 1996 NBA Draft, Footwear Flashback

The Nike Hyperdunk gets a redesign for its 2012 edition. The Flywire-constructed basketball sneaker brings a futuristic look to retailers on June 29th. This sneaker owns the same look as the highly-touted Hyperdunk+ minus the statistic tracking sensors. The successor to the Hyperdunk 2011 will be available in five color schemes, including “Volt”, “University Gold” and “Summit White.”

Nike Hyperdunk
Obsidian/University Red
524934-400
June 29, 2012
$140

Nike Hyperdunk
Volt/Gorge Green
524934-700
June 29, 2012
$140

Nike Hyperdunk
University Gold/University Red
524934-701
June 29, 2012
$140

Nike Hyperdunk
University Red/Game Royal
524934-600
June 29, 2012
$140

Nike Hyperdunk
Summit White/Wolf Grey-Electric Green-Liquid Lime
524934-106
June 29, 2012
$140

Nike Hyperdunk "Volt"

Nike Hyperdunk "University Gold"

Nike Hyperdunk "University Red"

Nike Hyperdunk "Summit White"

© Brett Pickert for NiceKicks.com, 2012. | Permalink | One comment |
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Post tags: Hyperdunk, Nike Basketball, Nike Hyperdunk

Converse First String represents some of the best offering from the brand and the latest round of Chuck Taylors help prove that point. Seen in both a high and low configuration, the models are constructed with a nylon and jersey mesh on the upper that extends over the usual rubber toe cap. For the high, Converse has left the outsole white and used a high rise grey colorway for the upper. The Chuck Taylor low remains in the lighter color spectrum with a winter white upper complimented by black liner and midsole stripe. For those looking to score a pair, the Converse First String Chuck Taylor will be available at select locations, including the Nice Kicks Shop on June 29.

Converse First String Chuck Taylor OX
Winter White
129433C

Converse First String Chuck Taylor HI
High Rise
12943

Converse First String Chuck Taylor High

Converse First String Chuck Taylor High

Converse First String Chuck Taylor High

Converse First String Chuck Taylor High

Converse First String Chuck Taylor Ox

Converse First String Chuck Taylor Ox

Converse First String Chuck Taylor Ox

Converse First String Chuck Taylor Ox

© Jacques Slade for NiceKicks.com, 2012. | Permalink | No comment |
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Post tags: Converse, Converse Chuck Taylor, Converse First String Chuck Taylor HI, Converse First String Chuck Taylor OX

Australian sneaker super power Sneaker Freaker and purveyor of cool kicks Puma, come together for a collaborative work on the Puma Dallas. First spotted back in April, the model features a black suede upper dressed with metal eyelets and round laces. Inspired by Australia’s oldest mythical creature, the Bunyip, the model also features a gum outsole and a tan heel tag. Look for the Sneaker Freaker x PUMA Dallas  at select locations in the near future.

Sneaker Freaker x PUMA Dallas
Black/Gum

Sneaker Freaker x PUMA Dallas Black/Gum

Sneaker Freaker x PUMA Dallas Black/Gum

Sneaker Freaker x PUMA Dallas Black/Gum

Sneaker Freaker x PUMA Dallas Black/Gum

Sneaker Freaker x PUMA Dallas Black/Gum

Sneaker Freaker x PUMA Dallas Black/Gum

© Jacques Slade for NiceKicks.com, 2012. | Permalink | No comment |
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Post tags: Puma, Puma Dallas, Sneaker Freaker x PUMA Dallas

Under Armour is releasing its exoskeleton-like runner at retailers this weekend. The Under Armour Spine uses construction inspired by the the human spine. The performance runner may feature the curvature of the spine but not the weight, seeing that weighs in at 9.7 ounces. This sneaker will be available at UA retailers tomorrow, June 29, 2012 fro $100.

© Brett Pickert for NiceKicks.com, 2012. | Permalink | No comment |
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Post tags: Spine, Under Armour, Under Armour Spine

Just want to buy a pair of Air Jordan 2011 South Beach x Showtime XII Sneakers right now? Air Jordan 2011 South Beach x Showtime XII Sneakers.

Another custom pair is about to take the pride of the South Beach with the newly-modified Air Jordan 2011 South Beach by Showtime XII. It is noticeable that the combination of blue and pink makes a hit at any time of the year. So here is Showtime XII’s version of the Air Jordan 2011 South Beach.

If you remember, this silhouette originally comes in the same colorway and the only custom work done by Showtime XII was to create conventional shoe lace holes since the shoe does possess a no-show lacing system. In this case, the designer crafted some lace holes to make the lace prominent. The molded leather upper wasn’t changed as well as the rest of its features such as pink Jordan logo on the tongue and heel, and the grid-designed midsole.

With this custom pair, Jordan fans can now add one to their collection with something that’s truly hot and attractive.

Purchase your own pair of Air Jordan 2011 South Beach x Showtime XII Sneakers right now!