Our best look yet at the Nike Zoom GP Retro releasing later this month.
Gary Payton’s second signature sneaker with Nike Basketball is gearing up to relaunch later on this month on April 20, 2019. Fitting that the man that wore #20 will be having his shoe hit retailers once again on the 20th.
While official tech specs on the 2019 Retro version of the shoe are still unknown, we’re all hoping for something that is close to the original. In 1998, they used articulated Zoom Air units in the forefoot. This particular model featured a three chambered forefoot system that flexed with the outsole. Unfortunately, Nike no longer uses that style of Zoom Air today so do not expect them to feel like the original. However, if we get forefoot Zoom Air and heel Zoom Air done right, then I’ll be happy.
Some were worried about the ‘Monkey Paw’ support panel on the medial ankle — thinking it was missing due to a poor catalog image. You don’t have to worry as it should still be there. We saw ‘Monkey Paw’ in the Zoom Glove Retro and it’s featured in Vince Carter’s Nike SHOX BB PE’s that he’s been wearing all season long, so there is no reason not to have it in this Retro.
The leather looks decent, but very glossy. I’m not sure why they’d use such a high gloss finish to the leather, but that can be fixed with a simple duller for those that want to make these feel closer to the original.
The Alpha Project dots on the rear are nice to see, but they should be silver. Again, an easy fix for anyone wanting to make these look more like the original.
Retail price is still unknown at the moment, but the release is quickly approaching. Let us know how you feel about the Nike Zoom GP Retro now that we’ve seen our best look yet. Are you happy with how they’ve turned out or did Nike Sportswear miss the mark?
via @itsalex35
Re-release the black/volt pair and I might cop.
The Monkey Paw has NOT been featured in any Shox BB Retro. Therefore it will NOT be happening in these. Because you know… Plastic is expensive. UGH NIKE
“and it’s featured in Vince Carter’s Nike SHOX BB PE’s that he’s been wearing all season long”
Uh, yea. That’s exactly what I said.
They may actually be better without it. The OG paw caused unnecessary ankle stiffness.
This was my favorite shoe as a kid. I wore the hell out of my pair. Disappointed the small details of the original are changing. Don’t understand why so glossy…. but i’m getting me a pair for sure