words // Brandon Richard
When asked to name the leading scorer on the 1992 and 1996 U.S. Olympic Men's Basketball Teams, most people are inclined to answer Michael Jordan and Shaquille O'Neal, respectively. However, the feat actually belongs to Hall of Fame power forward Charles Barkley, who helped guide Team USA to Gold Medals in both Barcelona and Atlanta. Barkley finished Olympic competition with a perfect 16-0 record, holding all-time records for highest field goal percentage in a single tournament (.816 - 1996) and highest three-point percentage in a single tournament (.875 - 1992). In celebration of the original Dream Team's 20th Anniversary, Nike Basketball is re-issuing the Air Force 180 in the Olympic colorway famously worn by Barkley and some of his teammates in '92.
Originally released in 1992, the Nike Air Force 180 was designed as a basketball answer to the Air Max 180 runner. This Dream Team colorway features a white and obsidian leather upper, accented by metallic gold embroidery on the tongue and heel. The tongue padding and heel counter are presented in red, while an obsidian to gold fade effect was used for the midsole. A 180-Air unit and USA-themed herringbone traction outsole complete the look below.
This classic sneaker will make its long-awaited return at Nike Sportswear retailers this summer. Stick with Sole Collector for updates.
