Top 5 Nike Classic Basketball Shoes

I am not the type of person to buy basketball shoes for their functionality; I like playing recreationally, but not enough to drop the money on the shoe for it's playing ability.  I am more the type to drop money on a shoe because it looks amazing and it's a classic.  Let's countdown the top 5 classics.

#5 Nike Air 1/2 Cent Eggplant

So at one point in his career "Penny" Hardaway was a great player, being compared to Jordan. Penny along with Shaq and Horace Grant led the Orlando Magic to the NBA finals, only to get beaten by the Houston Rockets.  After that the Magic fell apart and so did Penny; but he did have some awesome looking shoes.  The 1/2 Cent was my favorite; most sneakerheads would tell you the Foamposite is the best Penny shoe, but I would have to disagree.  The foamposite does look nice but it's too much foam and doesn't have the basketball look.  This shoe looks similar to the foamposite but has more of a basketball stance.  All in all, Penny may be long gone, but he will always have his shoes to look back on.

#4 - Nike Air CB 34 "Phoenix Sun"

I remember watching Charles Barkley play with the Suns, against the likes of Ewing and Jordan.  Now people know Barkley as the TNT commentator or the guy with the worst golf swing in the world.  Whatever you know his as he was most dominating power forwards in basketball.  This is the classic 90's basketball shoe and even though Barkley wasn't my favorite I still love this shoe; Phoenix colorway and all the classic features.  The only drawback is it looks kinda like a dinosaur foot, I guess that made it more intimidating.

#3 Nike Air Flightposite 2

I have seen this shoe more and more recently and at first I thought it was the ugliest shoe, but after seeing it again and again I have grown to respect the shoe.  The Nike Flighposite 2 was Kevin Garnett's shoe introduced in 2000 and really pushed the boundaries of the modern shoe.  This shoe looks futuristic even 10 years later, the black asphalt look and angular lines; it's almost like the shoe would transform with the push of a button.  Even the zipper covering the laces was brilliant, imaging never have to re-tie your laces and keeping a secure fit.  The Flightposite has won my heart, with it's technology and sleek look.

#2 Nike Vandal High

The Vandal High reminds me of the shoes guys in 50's used to wear while playing hoops. It has a body like a 
Nike Dunk and an Air Force One; it's the strap the reminds me of a classic shoe.  The Vandal still looks like a comfortable basketball shoe, even though technology as advanced; unless you're going out for varsity or playing competitively, you don't need $150 dollar shoes. If you are going old school, you really have two choices; the Blazer High or these and I have the Blazers.  The Blazers are not very comfortable on your ankle and tend to rub your leg raw. Go old school and show everyone the Vandal still has life on the court.

#1 Nike Air Jordan "Hare Jordan"

The shoe that got away.  This time it really did get away or some lucky person got a free pair of the hard to find gems.  I ordered the "Hare Jordan" about a year ago and waited for it to arrive at my house and waited and waited; everyday checking the tracking info to see where they had traveled. Finally the day arrived and the shoes were out for delivery, I had to work that night so I wouldn't be home to receive the package; this didn't scare me because they usually drop off package on the door step.  I checked on my phone and the package was delivered.  I rushed home to see my shoes and nothing; checked the mailboxes and the office, still nothing.  I was crushed and it was the last pair, I still have never got over this tragedy.  Anyways, the Jordan 1 is the first Air Jordan by Nike and it is the only Air Jordan I love and would wear on any regular day.  I know people love their Jordans and get every pair no matter what; well I guess I as more picky then most people.  It's the classic shoe from the 80's and doesn't have all the bells and whistle of the new shoes, but who wants a window in the middle of the shoe.  Plus these shoes are made to resemble the one Bugs Bunny wears in the movie "Space Jam," and even has his likeness, in classic Air Jordan pose, on the tongue.  It's still my favorite basketball shoe of all time and probably will never be dethroned.