Nike's Gary Payton Shoes Were Inspired
Gary Paytons incredible defensive game, during which he stuck to other players like a glove, earned him his nickname, "the Glove." Drafted in 1990, Gary Payton was releasing legendary signature basketball shoes by 1998. His signature shoes always looked fresh. They were packed with some of the best technology of their day. Today, they're frequently retroed and re-released.
What are some key features of Gary Payton basketball shoes?
As a point guard, Gary Payton favored shoes that were lightweight and built for speed. releases from Nike's Flight series were a favorite for him. At different times in his career, Payton also wore Air Jordans. When it came to his signature Zoom GP, key features included the use of a heavy-duty lockdown system. Inspired by the closures used by skiers; the idea was to provide the best stability possible for players on the court. Zoom Air was key for providing comfort. Finally, a lace cover was another feature that helped keep everything in the right place. The Zoom GP was part of a trend in lace covered basketball shoes during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
What were some of Gary Payton's most popular signature shoes?
Many of the shoes Gary Payton was associated with during his playing days are still fondly remembered today. These include the Zoom Hawk Flight, the Air Maestro and the Zoom Flight 1998. The Zoom Flight 1998 was even nicknamed the Glove after Payton. A particular fan favorite is the Nike Zoom GP, which originally debuted in 1999. In 2019, the GP was re-released for its 20th anniversary.
How have Gary Payton sneakers evolved over the years?
Gary Payton played during an era that saw an evolution in athletic footwear. Some signature GP shoes are like most vintage basketball sneakers. They feature a stitched leather upper that's partly perforated. Payton's shoes experimented with then-trendy features like lockdown straps and lace covers. When 1998's Air Zoom Flight The Glove was re-released in the 2010s, it featured new colorways, including metallics, for a retro-futuristic vibe. The whole upper is encased in a short synthetic fabric sheath for a clean look. This shoe still looks fresh, even after decades. 2019's re-release of the 1999 Nike Zoom GP was in some ways more traditional and true to the original.
What materials are used in Glove Gary sneakers?
The materials used in Payton's NBA basketball shoes include leather uppers, synthetic fabric, plastic straps, Nike Air units and foam soles. Payton's signature shoes straddle the line between classic basketball shoes and more modern ones. Some of Payton's shoes appear to be laceless high-top sneakers. However, the truth is that there are laces. They're just hidden under covers.
Nike Zoom GP vs. Air Jordan XV
| Nike Zoom GP | Air Jordan XV | |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | 1999 | 1999 |
| Closures | Laces with cover for added lockdown | Laces |
| Key Technology | Zoom Air | Zoom Air, Carbon fiber shank plate |
| Designer | Eric Avar | Tinker Hatfield |
Do Nike Gary Payton basketball shoes run true to size?
Most reviewers agree that Nike Gary Paytons have a fit that's true-to-size.
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