Ayrton Oneill
The Nike Air Penny 2 basketball shoes are part of NBA legend Penny Hardaway's signature line. The shoes were first introduced during the 1996-97 NBA season and were designed by Eric Avar, who later worked on Kobe Bryant's signature line. The Air Penny 2 is known for its unique design, including a rippled upper and an undulating midsection. The shoe features Nike's Air cushioning technology and is made with premium leather and sculpted foam. While the shoe has been praised for its traction and comfort, some reviews mention that the fit can be awkward and that the shoe lacks ventilation. The Air Penny 2 has gained a following among both hypebeasts and nostalgic fans of the game.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Brand | Nike |
| Model | Air Penny 2 |
| Sport | Basketball |
| Athlete | Penny Hardaway |
| Year | 1996 |
| Features | Ripple-effect upper, heel bubble, Carbon Fiber shank, Nike Air cushioning, "1 cent" logo |
| Colors | Atlantic Blue, Artisan |
| Fit | True to size, but some find the heel sloppy; recommended to go ½ down for comfort |
| Ventilation | None |
| Traction | Good |
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What You'll Learn
Design and aesthetics
The Nike Air Penny 2 basketball shoes, designed by Eric Avar, were released during the 1996-97 NBA season as the sophomore model in NBA legend Anfernee 'Penny' Hardaway's signature line. The shoe's design features a ripple-effect or rippled upper and an undulating midsection, with a midsole unit that includes Zoom Air in the forefoot. The Air Penny II also features a Carbon Fiber shank and a lateral wing, providing support and flexibility. The shoe is known for its unique design and use of the latest technologies at the time, including a heel bubble taken from the Air Max line.
The Air Penny II is available in different materials such as nubuck, suede, and premium leather, with sculpted foam done in artisan colours. The shoe also features the iconic "1 cent" logo and visible Nike Air cushioning, providing comfort and resilience. The overall design and aesthetics of the Air Penny II pay homage to Hardaway's signature style and on-court presence, offering a combination of performance and style.
The shoe has gained a following among both hypebeasts and nostalgic fans, with its traction and performance on the court receiving positive reviews. The unique ripple design and use of premium materials have made the Air Penny II a sought-after model for collectors and enthusiasts. The availability of the shoe has been limited, adding to its exclusivity and desirability.
The fit of the Air Penny II is described as a bit awkward, with a true-to-size option leaving extra space in the heel, while going a half size down provides a snugger fit. The lack of ventilation is also noted as a potential drawback for some wearers, although the overall fit and support compensate for this.
Overall, the design of the Air Penny II combines performance, comfort, and style, reflecting the signature line of NBA star Penny Hardaway. The shoe's unique aesthetics and on-court functionality have made it a popular choice for basketball players and collectors alike.
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Performance and traction
The Nike Air Penny II (2) is a force to be reckoned with on the court. The shoe offers improved traction over its predecessor, the Air Penny I, with more consistent coverage whether you need traction front-to-back or side-to-side. While dusty courts may pose a challenge, requiring frequent wiping, the shoe performs well on clean floors. The grooves are thick and not very flexible, which can cause a slight delay when coming to a sudden stop at full speed.
The Air Penny II provides ample support for your feet, featuring a Carbon Fiber shank and a lateral wing that keeps your foot securely in place. This design allows for flexibility and freedom when it comes to material options, catering to those who prefer softer materials in their performance shoes. The addition of the Carbon Fiber shank enhances the shoe's flexibility compared to the Air Penny I, ensuring your arch doesn't overextend.
The fit of the Air Penny II is a bit awkward. Going true to size may result in a sloppy-fitting heel, while going half a size down provides a snugger fit that may be too tight for some. The ideal fit will depend on your foot shape, so trying on a pair or opting for true-to-size if you have wide feet is recommended.
Ventilation is non-existent in the Air Penny II, which may be a deal-breaker for some. However, the excellent fit and support compensate for this shortcoming, and the shoe still delivers a solid overall performance.
The Air Penny II's traction has received mixed reviews, with some users reporting instances of slipping and falling on dusty courts, even while backpedaling. This issue was also noted in the original 1996 version of the shoe. However, the shoe's traction has been praised by others, earning it a spot on the Best Traction Basketball Shoes list by WearTesters.
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Comfort and cushioning
The Nike Air Penny 2 basketball shoes, debuted during the 1996-97 NBA season, are the sophomore model in Penny Hardaway's signature line. The shoe is highlighted by a ripple-effect upper and an undulating midsection, tied together by a midsole unit that features Zoom Air in the forefoot.
The Air Penny II offers a similar level of support to the Air Penny I, but with the addition of a Carbon Fiber shank for increased flexibility. The lateral wing on the side of the shoe provides ample support to keep your foot in place while allowing for freedom in material choices. The cushioning in the heel and forefoot provides world-class, all-star comfort. The heel cushion is fantastic, while the forefoot is low and responsive, with a Zoom unit in place. The use of premium leather and sculpted foam in artisan colours further enhances the comfort and aesthetic appeal of the shoe.
The Air Penny II is known for its on-court performance, delivering a fluid and resilient playing experience. The shoe is also durable, withstanding the test of time even with the use of cheaper materials. The fit of the shoe is important to consider, as going true to size may result in a slightly loose heel, while going half a size down can provide a snugger fit. The overall comfort and support of the Air Penny II make it a versatile option for both indoor and outdoor court use.
While the Air Penny II excels in cushioning and support, it falls short in terms of ventilation. The lack of airflow may be a concern for those who prioritise breathability in their footwear. However, for those who prioritise cushioning and comfort, the Air Penny II delivers an exceptional experience on and off the court.
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Fit and sizing
The Nike Air Penny 2 basketball shoes, designed by Eric Avar, were released in 1996, a year after the first model in Penny Hardaway's signature line. The shoe is known for its unique rippled upper and undulating midsection.
The fit of the Air Penny 2 is described as a bit awkward. Going true to size may result in a sloppy-fitting heel, while going half a size down may provide a snugger fit but with barely enough room to feel comfortable. Ultimately, the best option depends on your foot shape. If you have wide feet, it is recommended to go true to size to be safe.
The Air Penny 2 provides ample support with a giant wing on the lateral side, compensating for the softer materials used. The addition of a Carbon Fiber shank improves flexibility compared to the Air Penny I, while still providing sufficient support for your feet.
The shoe features Nike's signature Air cushioning in the heel and forefoot, delivering world-class comfort. The premium leather and sculpted foam in artisan colors further enhance the comfort and style of the shoe.
Overall, while the fit and sizing of the Air Penny 2 may be a bit tricky, the support and comfort features built into the shoe make it a popular choice for both performance and style.
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Ventilation
The Nike Air Penny II (2) is a basketball shoe that was debuted by Nike during the 1996-97 NBA season as the sophomore model in Penny Hardaway’s signature line. The shoe is characterised by a ripple-effect upper and an undulating midsection. The shoe also features a Carbon Fiber shank and a lateral wing, which provides support and keeps the foot in place.
While the shoe provides ample support and flexibility, ventilation is an area of concern for this particular shoe model. According to a review, the Air Penny II lacks ventilation, which may be a deal-breaker for those who prioritise airflow in their footwear. The reviewer mentions that the fit and support of the shoe somewhat make up for the lack of ventilation, but it still affects the overall score of the shoe.
The reviewer also notes that the entire Air Penny line may not be suitable for those who require ventilation in their shoes. This suggests that ventilation is not a prominent feature across the Air Penny range, including the Air Penny II.
However, another review mentions that ventilation is a matter of personal preference. While the shoe may not have the best ventilation, it is still a good option for indoor or outdoor on-court use. The reviewer mentions that the shoe is fun to play in and is quite resilient, even with the use of cheap materials.
Overall, while the Nike Air Penny II may not excel in ventilation, it offers other features such as comfort, support, and flexibility, making it a popular choice for basketball players and fans of the Air Penny line.
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Frequently asked questions
Air Penny 2 basketball shoes are the second model in Penny Hardaway's signature line with Nike. They were released during the 1996-97 NBA season, a year after the first model was released.
Anfernee 'Penny' Hardaway is an NBA legend and one of the most complete basketball players ever.
The Air Penny 2 shoes feature a heel bubble from the Air Max line, a ripple-effect upper, and Nike Air cushioning in the heel and forefoot.
Air Penny 2 shoes are available on eBay and SNKRS. They can also be found on Nike's website and specialist sites like GOAT and Flight Club.
