Films act as a distinct marker of time. They allow individuals to reminisce on the time and place in which they remember first seeing the theatrical piece. They also tend to lend inspiration — infinite amounts of inspiration, if done properly. This couldn’t have been more evident than with the recent news of the Nike Class of ’97 Pack hitting retailers.
Paying homage to the iconic film, He Got Game, the Nike Foamposite Pro “Pearl” and the Nike Air Zoom Hawk Flight have a certain gravitas that should implore sneakerheads to take a long look at the duo.
So with that in mind, the Class of ’97 Pack headlines the latest edition of Throwback Thursday as we’ll take a look at this history of the film, sneakers listed and its cultural impact.
To see more, flip through the pages below to enjoy.
A Spike Lee Joint: He Got Game
Releasing in 1998, the cult classic He Got Game was certain to be a respective gem from the onset. Directed by Spike Lee and starring Denzel Washington and Ray Allen, this film told the story of a High School phenom, Jesus Shuttlesworth, who endured the rigors of being the number one prospect in the nation. In addition, a certain caveat is making his decision tough as his controversially adjudicated father looked to persuade him to a certain school in order to lessen his prison time.
Although my personal cliff note version of film pales in comparison, the abundance of Nike silhouettes and Jordan staples within the film allowed for sneakerheads to hold this in high standard. From the Air Jordan 13 to the Nike Air Foamposite One and Pro, Spike Lee’s direction and cinematic approach helped elevate the culture in many ways and gave perpetual “life” to a variety of kicks.
