The Nike Air Swoopes 2 was the second iteration of WNBA superstar Sheryl Swoopes’ signature shoe. Originally released in 1997, it has come back for 2018.
The White/Game Royal colorway of her iconic sneaker came out in August and now, September will get the bright white/red/black colorway so many remember from the late-90s. Back in time for the 2018-19 season, the Air Swoopes 2 features Zoom Air cushioning, a midfoot shroud and lacing system that secures with a lace lock, and a multi-directional chevron traction pattern underfoot.
The Air Swoopes 2 was designed by Marni Gerber, a woman, for the best women’s basketball player of the era. “She [Swoopes] was not a girly girl,” said Gerber in a statement. “She was tough and needed her shoe to be agile and responsive, so that is what we designed.”
The shoe was even developed with Swoopes’ assistance, and it pushed back against the “pink it and shrink it” approach common to women’s sneakers. “It was inspired by Sheryl’s tenacity and her desire to be in the face of her competition,” said Gerber in 2012. “I went to Lubbock, Texas to see her life, her family and friends. She was a tough girl with a sweet side.”
The Nike Air Swoopes 2 ‘White/Red/Black’ will release on September 7 at 10 AM ET for $140 through Nike SNKRS. The Game Royal colorway from August was more limited than people initially thought and has sold well on the resale market; if you’re feeling this shoe grab it from SNKRS while you can.
Images via Nike SNKRS
I’m the type of guy to get these just to get buckets at the rec on people, but now that I’m out of university, my priorities are elsewhere. Otherwise, I’d hoop in em for a month and then clean up for the casual.