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As the Summer Olympics return this year, the world eagerly turns its attention to the spectacular display of athletic prowess, the inspiring stories of underdog triumphs, and the notable figures gracing the stands. But amidst the thrill of medal counts and the roar of the crowds, another captivating aspect draws the eyes of spectators: the iconic footwear worn by athletes competing on the grandest stage. The Olympic Games have long been a showcase for exceptional talent and groundbreaking sneaker designs that celebrate the spirit of competition and the unity of nations.
This year, we’ve seen multiple sneaker moments take center stage. These moments include LeBron James rocking his unreleased LeBron 22 and LeBron TR1, Tyrese Haliburton debuting new Kobe 4 Protro Team USA PEs, and Jimmer Fredette and the entire 3x3 Team USA Basketball roster signing with ANTA. Other exclusive sneaker moments include Gabby Williams rocking an Attack on Titan-themed Jordan Tatum 2 and the women’s Team USA Basketball PEs spotted at WNBA All-Star Weekend.
We’ve also seen some heat come from brands across the industry for the 2024 Olympics. Nike launched its Electric Pack, which featured 55 different styles, and various performance models got Team USA color schemes. Asics crafted the GT-2160 Paris, adidas teamed up with Sporty & Rich for a pack of USA-themed sneakers, and Puma crafted a Paris-themed Puma Stewie 3.
While this year was filled with plenty of moments, we’ve decided to explore ten legendary sneakers that not only made a splash during their respective games but also left a lasting legacy in the sneaker world. Each pair, from the Air Jordan 7 Olympic to the Nike Kobe 4 Gold Medal, tells a story of excellence and innovation. Let’s dive into the rich history and timeless designs that have defined Olympic sneaker culture.
Images via Nike and Flightclub
Top 10 Olympic Sneakers
10. Trophy Room x Air Jordan 7 Retro New Sheriff in Town
Everyone will remember Michael Jordan's presence at the Olympics forever as a part of the 1992 Dream Team, which took Barcelona and the world by storm as one of the greatest basketball teams ever assembled. MJ's son Marcus Jordan used his Trophy Room storefront to tell the story of a Team USA practice leading up to the '92 Olympics. During a scrimmage game in Monte Carlo, MJ led the White Team, and Magic Johnson led the Blue Team. MJ's team made a late comeback, and legend has it he told Larry Bird and Magic, "There's a new sheriff in town." This quote is stitched on the inside of the tongue, and the date June 22, 1992, is also embroidered here, though the game reportedly took place a month later, July 22. Olympic colors are also found on the sneaker via the pull tab on the heel, and a golden heel tab also nods to the gold medal won by Team USA that year.
9. Nike Air Foamposite One Olympic
2024 saw the little ones get a shot at the Nike Air Foamposite One Olympic, though the first time we saw a men's release was in 2016 to celebrate the Rio Summer Olympics. This sneaker's design is a tribute to Team USA, featuring a navy, white, and red colorway with a signature white Foamposite shell that gives it a futuristic and robust look. Navy nubuck, red sockliner accents, and the golden Penny logo on the heel enhance its patriotic theme, while the icy translucent rubber outsole provides a modern touch.
8. Nike Air Presto USA
In 2000, Nike celebrated the Sydney Summer Olympics with the Nike Presto USA, a vibrant rendition of the semi-new Air Presto model. The sneaker featured concentric circle graphics on the neoprene upper and patriotic red, white, and blue accents. USA was prominently displayed on the tongue tag, accompanied by gold wing graphics, symbolizing the pursuit of excellence and victory. The navy and white midsole paired with a red and black outsole added to the bold design, making it a standout on and off the track. The 2016 retro release in Rio brought this classic back into the spotlight with a navy-based upper, much to the delight of fans who appreciate its aesthetic and historical significance.
7. Nike Hyperdunk United We Rise
The Nike Hyperdunk revolutionized basketball footwear in 2008 and became iconic during the 2008 Olympic Games. Many Team USA players, including Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, sported this model, which is known for its lightweight and high-performance design. The special United We Rise edition featured an inspiring quote on the tongue tag and a distinctive graphic with a 3M reflective finish, symbolizing unity and resilience. First released in 2008 and retroed in 2016, this sneaker remains a favorite among collectors for its blend of style and functionality.
6. Nike Air Max 1 USA
In 2002, Nike commemorated the Winter Olympic Games held in Utah with a USA-inspired colorway of the Air Max 1. Coming in the classic red, white, and blue colors of the United States, this Original Mesh edition features classic colorblocking that fans have loved since 1987. Grey nubuck overlays pair nicely with the navy blue mudguard. White mesh underlays and a red Swoosh on the sides tie the theme together, while a white Air-cushioned midsole and solid rubber outsole round things off. But what makes this pair great is the American flag prominently embroidered on the tongue and back heel. They are so nice. Nike released them in 2003 as well. Let's hope another re-release will happen sooner than later, as it has been over twenty years!
5. Nike Kobe 4 Gold Medal
Although Kobe Bryant himself never wore the sneaker, the Nike Kobe 4 Gold Medal was released in 2009 to commemorate the 2008 USA Men's Basketball team and Kobe Bryant's stellar performance during the 2008 Summer Olympics. This year, the sneaker returns triumphantly, staying true to its original design with a metallic gold, red, white, and blue upper that echoes the colors of the American flag. Inside, a gold medal graphic pays homage to Kobe's Olympic achievements and the historic gold medal win. This release honors the past and brings a beloved piece of basketball history back to fans, offering a nostalgic nod to one of the greatest players the game of basketball has seen.
4. Air Jordan 6 Retro Olympic
In 2000, Jordan Brand retroed the Air Jordan 6 for the first time. Three colorways were released. Among them was an all-new Retro+ iteration dubbed Olympic. Team Jordan member Ray Allen wore this pair on-court during the 2000 Summer Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia. The pair sports a red, white, and blue theme in Carmine-style colorblocking. Navy leather underlays pair nicely with white overlays. Minor hits of red are found via the Jumpman branding on the tongue and back heel, with a translucent outsole rounding things out. They were retroed for the first time in 2012, coinciding with the Summer Olympic Games in London, and then again in August 2024 for the games held in Paris.
3. Nike Air Force 180 Olympic
Charles Barkley and the Nike Air Force 180 were just as popular as Michael Jordan and the Air Jordan 7. Both come in similar color schemes; they nod directly to Team USA and the Dream Team. A white-based leather upper adorns the AF 180, accented by midnight navy accents. Metallic Gold branding is present throughout, including the midfoot strap, tongue, and back heel. Minor hits of red can be seen via the inside tongue lining and wrapping around the back heel. The midsole sports a gradient-like design that fades from navy to gold with paint splatter details. Initially released in 1992, they were re-released in 2004, 2012, and 2016.
2. Nike Air More Uptempo Olympic
In 1996, Team USA looked to replicate the success of the Dream Team from 1992. With legends such as Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and Michael Jordan gone, Scottie Pippen, Charles Barkley, and David Robinson looked to lead the Dream Team II to Olympic gold, and they did. While they are less regarded than the original Dream Team, the second iteration was just as dominant on the court. In addition, some great sneakers came from the Dream Team II, such as the Nike Air More Uptempo. Worn by Scottie Pippen, the Air More Uptempo Olympic iteration comes in a USA-themed red, white, and blue color scheme, with gold accents. Pippen's Olympic number 8 is embroidered on the heel, adding a unique touch to this pair. Initially released in 1996, they have been re-released numerous times over the past 25+ years, the most recent happening in July 2024.
1. Air Jordan 7 Retro Olympic
When you think of the Olympics or Team USA, most reminisce about the Dream Team. The Dream Team was the greatest basketball team ever assembled, comprised of the twelve best the US had to offer (well, eleven best). The footwear worn on-court by the Dream Team is legendary; everyone from Patrick Ewing, David Robinson, Charles Barkley, and Michael Jordan rocked iconic kicks. The Air Jordan 7 Olympic is hands down the greatest Olympic-themed sneaker ever created. Jordan was dominant, but the AJ 7 cemented its legacy when he wore them on-court en route to his second NBA championship and an Olympic gold medal. The Air Jordan 7 Olympic sports a white-based leather upper with silver overlays. Blue, red, white, and gold accents finish things off, along with the number 7 on the back heel tab in place of 23, representing MJ's Team USA uniform number. They were released in 1992 and re-released in 2004, 2010, and 2012. It's long overdue for another retro!
With the 2024 Summer Olympics in full swing, only time will tell which countries reign supreme in the games' various competitive sports. Not to mention which sneakers will have historic moments like their predecessors. From the Air Jordan 7 to the Kobe 4, Nike has produced some of the most iconic Olympic sneakers ever. It's a safe bet that they will have more classics in the future, and we wouldn't be surprised to see other brands give them a run for their money.
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In this article
Steve Jaconetta is the Head of Content based out of Connecticut. An encyclopedia for sneaker releases, he's covered the industry for over fifteen years. His stops have included Sole Collector, Complex, and StockX, to name a few. He considers the Air Jordan 11 Concord the greatest sneaker of all time and has a strong affection for 80s pop culture. Email: steve@soleretriever.com
Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. Concerts, music, trying new restaurants, and catching the latest movies are some of the things I enjoy when not writing for Sole Retriever. Email: nick@soleretriever.com
