words // Nick DePaula
images // Butch Cordero
There's two things a sneaker event can always guarantee: The release of a sneaker that everyone is after, and of course, awesome sneakers on the feet of those attending. (Awkward exhanges online after the fact are only a slight bonus.) With travel arrangements to be made, nearly everyone planned ahead and broke out something special just for last Saturday night.
Enjoy a closer look at several of the best sneakers on hand at the Nike x Sole Collector Penny Hardaway Event, including die-hard Penny fans, the designer of the launch night's coveted model, and yes, even Penny Hardaway himself.
Just two days before the event, the Zoom Rookie LWP launched in this limited Glow In The Dark colorway.
As expected, there was also a fair amount of love for Air Jordans in the house, like the classic Concord XIs and the more recent Ray Allen XIIIs.
SC Forum Admin London Schneider aka IRocJayz23 repped a past SC collab with the bold purple Zoom Flight Club.
"Ballintwn" celebrated the last time Sole Collector was in Las Vegas with his very own 1-of-1 custom Air Force 1, the grand prize at the '06 SC Vegas Finals.
There's no doubting "lilpennymagicfan's" love for Penny Hardaway, as not only did he wear a home pro-cut Magic jersey and the "Heroes" LeBron VII, but he also has a "1 Cent" logo tattooed on his right arm. Doesn't get much more dedicated than that.
Among the many samples Gentry Humphrey showcased was this White / Black / Royal version of the Air Go LWP. They were originally slated to release this past Spring, but were dropped from the calendar.
After traveling all the way from Beijing, China and spending forty days in Las Vegas because of the event's first postponement, Victor Sun left with an autograph from Penny on this pair of Air Penny IIs.
Several of Penny's past icons were proudly in the house, including the Air Up.
A reverse look at the all white Zoom Rookie, and the many cameras firing away in the crowd.
Zac Dubasik sported the "Orlando" Zoom Rookie LWP, while I opted for the Penny Signature Pack version. Gentry made sure to highlight the Air Flight One that served as the inspiration.
Designer Marc Dolce debuted the upcoming "Binary Blue" colorway while on stage.
Now these. These you've seen, heard about and likely already discussed. Here's a closer look at Gentry Humphrey's "Galaxy" Air Foamposite One.
And last but not least, the shoes worn by the man of the night himself, Penny Hardaway and his "Memphis Blues."
