Although the Olympics may not have the appeal it once did, the summer games are still one of the most important events in sports. And let’s be honest, you can’t have sports without sneakers in this day and age (ok, ok, maybe surfing but that’s more like a vacation than a sport, right?).
With the 2016 Summer Olympics set to take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from August 5th through August 21st, it only makes sense that footwear brands start getting their Olympic-inspired and patriotic colorways lined up. Of course, Nike is leading the way with a handful of classic retro models, alongside new designs and color variations.
Nike Air Force 180 “Olympic”
The Nike Air Force 180 is one of the shoes that Charles Barkley wore while playing for the legendary “Dream Team” back in 1992. In case you’re not familiar with the USA Basketball Dream Team that ravaged through international competition in Barcelona, check out this vid. 24 years later, the memories of “Godzilla” keep this retro a relevant classic for the summer games.
Nike Air More Uptempo
The Air More Uptempo is another classic from Nike Basketball. This colorway was worn by Scottie Pippen during the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. The 1996 USA Basketball team was known as the “Dream Team II” but it was in no way secondary when it came to Pippen’s footwear.
Nike Air Presto “Olympic“
The Nike Air Presto has been a hot commodity for the last year or so and as we get into summer, it looks like it’s only going to get hotter. The Presto is one of those “perfect for the summer” sneakers and when you add in the USA-inspired colors that first dropped in 2000, it becomes the perfect way to represent Team USA, with a hint of nostalgia as well.
Nike Air Presto Flyknit Olympics
Nike reworked the classic Air Presto with Flyknit and an extended sockliner this year and for the Olympics, a new colorway featuring red, white, blue and gold gives this new design a fresh look.
Nike Air Pegasus 92 “Olympic”
Nike dropped the USA-inspired Nike Air Pegasus 92 back in 1992 (who would have guessed, right?). While Olympic athletes might have first made the Pegasus 92 USA notable, some credit has to be given to Kris Kross for, well, warming it up.
Nike Air Max BW “Olympic”
The Air Max BW is best known for its “Persian Violet” colorway but this summer the American flag stitched on to the heel of this USA-inspired colorway will be getting all the attention from “Big Window” Air Max fans.
Nike Air Force 1 Low Flyknit “Olympics”
Like the Presto Ultra, the Air Force 1 received a Flyknit makeover for the 2016 Summer Games in Rio. The Air Force 1 Flyknit is upgraded with translucent outsole details and an iridescent Swoosh on the side panel.
Nike Air Foamposite One “Olympic”
One of the newcomers to the Olympic-inspired colorways this year is a new take on the Nike Air Foamposite One. Foams dropped a bit late for the 1996 Summer Games, and retros have been noticeably absent during the Olympics. Although, we could give Zach Lavine for rockin’ a pair while playing for “Team USA” during the Rising Stars challenge at All Star Weekend but that’s a stretch.
Nike Air Zoom Flight 96 “USA”
The Zoom Flight 96 Olympic colorway was debuted by Penny Hardaway at the Atlanta Summer Games back in 1996. 20 years later it makes a comeback in retro form complete with #6 on the heel.
