The Retro Releases We’re Most Thankful for in 2016

Though we’ve still got a month left, 2016 is almost a wrap. And when it’s all said and done, the current year was more about new shoes than old ones. Still, we love our retros and we’re always thankful for a good bringback. As we always do around the Thanksgiving holiday, we recall re-releases that brought back good memories of shoes we once had or offered us a first shot at shoes we missed out on years ago. See the retro releases we’re most thankful for in the pages below.

Nike Air More Uptempo

Nike Air More Uptempo OG

To say the Nike Air More Uptempo is the definitive basketball shoe of the ’90s would not be a reach. Dripping with nostalgia, branding and hardwood glory, the Scottie Pippen endorsed model was a hit on its 20th Anniversary, proving to be one of the most chase worthy retros. While trends come and go, this shoe will always be a relic of the decade where b-ball shoes most boomed.

Air Jordan 11 “Space Jam”

Air Jordan 11 “Space Jam”

Early sample shots might have had some scratching their heads, but an official look at this year’s Air Jordan 11 “Space Jam” re-release is as good as we could hope. Remastered and released for the first time with #45 tagging, this 2016 drop with Warner Brothers on board sees the model that’s dominated many a holiday season remaining relevant and still providing excitement.

Air Jordan 11 Low

Air Jordan 11 Low Cherry

Easy to wear and easy on the eyes, the Air Jordan 11 Low in patent leather form has been a welcome reintroduction from JB over the past five years. This summer, a colorway from the first run of its kind returned by way of the “Cherry” launch. These were a seasonal hit and one that will always warrant wear on a sunny day.

Nike Air Penny 2

Nike Air Penny 2 “Atlantic Blue”

There isn’t much unarchived from the Penny Hardaway signature vault. Still, the Nike Air Penny 2 “Atlantic Blue” in Penny PE form proved quite the surprise in 2016. On top of that, we also saw the shoe return in “All Star” form as well as re-takes on the Sole Collector collab and retro+ Miami Heat makeup.

Air Jordan 1

Air Jordan 1 Banned

Adding energy to the Air Jordan XXX1 launch, the “Banned” Air Jordan 1 came back in remastered form earlier this fall. Arguably the most popular AJ silo in this era, the original of originals was welcomed by fans old and new and bought up in bunches in each OG colorway that returned.