Kevin Garnett knows how to appreciate a solid pair of kicks. The former MVP and Hall of Famer has always been vocal about his sneaker game, rocking everything from high-performance on-court shoes to streetwear classics. But recently, a tender gesture from Nike had KG giving flowers to one of the most slept-on Air Force 1 releases, a sneaker tied to a former NBA champion Rasheed Wallace. Great recognizes great, right?
Known for his fiery personality and unapologetic style, Sheed took the Air Force 1 from a streetwear staple to a legitimate on-court statement. While most players opted for the latest tech-heavy basketball sneakers, Wallace doubled down on his love for high-top Forces, creating a legacy that stands out in sneaker history. Recalling the first time he got a pair, Wallace stated that he was quite young, around 1984 and was ‘tryna be like his older brother’. He further emphasized on how the sneakers protected his ankles and above it, the sneakers ‘killed it’. And KG seems to support the notion.
In his recent Instagram story, Kevin Garnett shared a video of Rasheed Wallace speaking about his Nike Air Force 1’s and how they helped him on the court. He simply captioned the post, “One of fav kicks of all time shout to Sheed ” letting the world know his appreciation for those iconic sneakers and the love and respect he shares for his contemporary.
BOSTON – JANUARY 2: (ALTERNATIVE CROP) Kevin Garnett #5 of the Boston Celtics celebrates in a game against the Houston Rockets on January 2, 2008 at the TD Banknorth Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2008 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
Wallace’s Air Force 1’s have long been considered cult classics among sneakerheads. While most players stuck with performance sneakers during their NBA days, Sheed stood out by hooping in Air Forces, a true anomaly in the modern sneaker world. His faith in the sneaker made them legendary, and Nike rewarded him with some of the most memorable PE (Player Exclusive) editions of the Air Force 1 ever made. So, how did this deal come to light?
Rasheed Wallace’s Enduring Sneaker Legacy and Kevin Garnett’s Nike Comeback?
While many NBA players have had signature shoes, few have stayed as loyal to a single model as Rasheed Wallace did with the Air Force 1. His love for the high-top AF1’s wasn’t just about style, it was about making a statement and a testament to the practicality that was only recognized by him. Wallace believed in the durability and comfort of the shoe, proving that classic designs could still dominate on the court.
Years after his costly switch, Garnett has subtly hinted at a rekindled appreciation for his Nike days. His nostalgic push for the Garnett 3s, though not an official revival, has led sneaker fans to wonder what could have been if KG had remained with the Swoosh. With the current trend of retro basketball sneakers making waves, perhaps the time is right for Nike to dip back into the Garnett archives and give his old signature models the comeback they deserve.
For sneakerheads, Kevin Garnett’s shout out is yet another reminder that classics never die. Whether it’s Jordan retros, Kobe Protro releases, or Wallace’s unforgettable Air Force 1’s, the best kicks always find a way to stay relevant. And with KG himself revisiting his own past sneaker choices, fans can’t help but wonder if a revival of his own signature line could be in the works. Could Garnett 3s be next in line for a nostalgic comeback? Time will tell.
The post After Subtle Nike Nudge, Kevin Garnett Praises Former Champ’s Exclusive Air Force 1’s As His “Fav Kicks” appeared first on EssentiallySports.