Nike Air Flight 89
photo by James Devaney/WireImageThe Air Jordan 4 is best known for Michael Jordan, the Air Flight 89 is best known for Ron Harper. While the kicks worn by the Cavs’ star shooting guard and later Chicago champion are certainly a classic, they somewhat slumped at retail during their retro runs in the mid-to-late 2000s. Before Sportswear was a sector, skate shoes were out-grinding basketball shoes in either height or price point. The 89 found itself in outlet abundance and the casual classics section of Eastbay that was sadly slept on during the ultra expressive streetwear boom.
In the midst of Yeezy 2 mania, Kanye shocked shoe spotters by rocking the White/Royal Flight 89 courtside at Madison Square Garden. Sporting a white, two-tone sneaker with black waxed denim was definitely a daring look at the time and a surprise given his signature shoe. The silo soon became a staple of his would be 5, later gaining attention and wear from fashion industry elite and rapping peers. Kanye definitely didn’t invent the visible Air window, but he did provide visibility to an underappreciated classic.
Lead image photo by Bauer Griffin via Zimbio
