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Nike Foamposites are basketball shoes that were released in 1997. They were designed with the basketball player in mind, with the aim of manufacturing a shoe that would mould to the player's foot. The shoe features a clear rubber outsole extending to the outer edges of the foot, with circular, irregularly placed traction pads throughout the outsole. The shoe is heavier than standard basketball sneakers, weighing 520 grams, 100-150 grams higher than a standard basketball sneaker. The Foamposite's upper consists of hardened polyurethane, which is designed to mould to the shape of the foot and increase the shoe's durability.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Nike |
| Model | Foamposite, Foamposite One, Foamposite Pro, Air Foamposite, Air Foamposite One, Air Foamposite Pro |
| Price | $180 (1997), $240 (current) |
| Weight | 520 grams |
| Upper | Solid Polyurethane |
| Midsole | Zoom Air Cushioning |
| Outsole | Clear Rubber with Traction Pads |
| Performance | Good for outdoor courts with texture, not ideal for smooth indoor courts |
| Durability | High, long-lasting |
| Comfort | High, but requires a long break-in period |
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What You'll Learn
Nike Air Foamposite One performance review
The Nike Air Foamposite One basketball shoes are known for their modern design and smooth, streaming lines. They were initially designed for Scottie Pippen but became popular when Penny Hardaway wore them. They are best suited for people with wide feet or those who are taller.
The shoe features a full-length Zoom Air innovation for responsive, low-profile cushioning. The Zoom Air is double-stacked in the heel, providing extra cushioning. The shoe has a long break-in period, and the foam's sturdiness and protective traits are only apparent once it's broken in. The shoe has a double-layered midsole, which requires heavy-duty breaking in. The material is durable and will likely outlive the glue holding the shoe together. The fit is great after it moulds to your foot, except for the heel, which needs a lot of work to keep locked in place.
The traction of the Nike Air Foamposite One is decent at best. As with most translucent soled sneakers, they work for a short period, but then dust becomes an obstacle that affects performance. They are not ideal for indoor courts unless they are perfectly clean. They may perform better on outdoor courts with a bit of texture.
Overall, the Nike Air Foamposite One is a well-cushioned shoe with a unique design, but it requires a long break-in period and may not be suitable for indoor basketball due to traction issues.
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Durability and comfort
Nike Foamposites are well-known for their durability and comfort. The shoe was designed with a basketball player in mind, with a solid polyurethane upper, a Zoom air cushioning midsole, and a rubber outsole. The upper is made of hardened polyurethane, which is designed to mould to the shape of the wearer's foot. This provides a high level of durability, as the material does not wear out easily and the shoe does not get out of shape.
While the polyurethane upper is initially firm and restrictive, it softens over time as it absorbs heat and moisture, contouring to the shape of the foot. This process can take a significant amount of time, with some users reporting a gruelling break-in period. However, once broken in, the shoe becomes more comfortable and provides a squishy feel. The footbed continues to soften over time, providing a cushioning feel that is well-loved by many wearers.
The shoe's durability is further enhanced by the rubber outsole, which is built to last. However, the transparent outsole may turn yellow over time due to dust and dirt accumulation. Additionally, the shoe provides stability and support, with a carbon fibre midsole that offers stability and lockdown. The high top design also protects the ankles from sprains.
While comfort is a priority for basketball players, opinions vary on the comfort level of Foamposites. Some users find the hard upper restrictive and uncomfortable, especially during the break-in period. Others appreciate the comfort provided by the cushioning and the body-hugging fit. The ventilation on the tongue portion of the shoe also contributes to comfort by increasing breathability and keeping feet dry.
Overall, Nike Foamposites offer a combination of durability and comfort that makes them a popular choice for basketball players and enthusiasts. While the break-in period may be lengthy, the shoe's durability and comfort features make them a worthwhile investment for many.
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Traction
The Nike Air Foamposite One is a popular basketball shoe with exceptional ankle support and vibrant colourways. It has a rugged build that can withstand various weather conditions, such as rain, sleet, or snow. However, like most translucent-soled sneakers, dust can quickly become an issue, reducing traction and making it less ideal for indoor courts. Outdoors, the Nike Air Foamposite One may perform better if the court has some texture.
Foamposites are known for their durability and comfort. The shoes have good traction across both indoor and outdoor basketball courts, but they perform better outdoors. Keeping the shoes clean is essential to maintaining traction, as dirt and grit can accumulate on the rubber outsole, reducing their grip.
While Foamposites are popular among basketball players, some users have reported issues with the heel lockdown, making the shoe feel clunky and difficult to manoeuvre quickly. Additionally, the break-in period for Foamposites can be lengthy, as the material needs to mould to the wearer's foot shape. Despite these drawbacks, many basketball players appreciate the traction and comfort that Foamposites provide.
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Cushioning
Nike Foamposites were designed with basketball players in mind. The shoe's midsole is designed to provide the highest level of cushioning. The Zoom air cushioning runs through the full length of the shoe, with double cushioning around the heel. The heel features a full-length double-stacked heel pad, which provides an overall heel-to-toe comfortable feel. The zoom cushioning in the midsole absorbs shock, increases responsiveness, and improves the player's balance. It uses pressurised air in tightly stretched fibres to increase responsiveness and reduce stress on muscles and joints.
The shoe's upper consists of hardened polyurethane, which is moulded in the shape of a foot. The polyurethane softens from heat and moisture from playing, contouring to the shape of the foot. The footbed softens over time as it absorbs moisture. The shoe is designed to mould to the player's foot, providing a glove-like fit and a comfortable experience.
The shoe's outsole is made of clear rubber, extending to the outer edges of the foot. It features circular, irregularly placed traction pads with a herringbone pattern to provide stability and grip on flat surfaces. The outsole also features a rubber Nike swoosh around the midfoot to maximise traction and performance.
While the shoe provides excellent cushioning and comfort, it has been noted that the break-in period can be quite long and gruelling. The shoe's upper has little flexibility at first, but becomes more comfortable over time. The shoe is also heavier than standard basketball sneakers, weighing 520 grams, 100-150 grams higher than average. Additionally, the ventilation of the shoe is minor, with only the tongue featuring high-quality breathable mesh.
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Design and manufacturing
The Nike Air Foamposite was designed by Eric Avar, who described the process as "pure experimentation". The shoe was made from polyurethane foam that actively moulded to fit the user's foot. The upper was moulded from liquid polyurethane in a single piece, a process that had never been attempted before in shoe manufacturing. This meant that Nike had to look beyond the shoe industry for the necessary technology, with Korean car manufacturer Daewoo providing the moulds. The moulds were extremely expensive, costing $750,000 each, and the overall manufacturing process was complex and costly.
The Foamposite's design was so unusual that it took a long time for Nike to figure out how to make it. The shoe had to be completely re-engineered to meet Nike's high standards of athletic performance, with new features such as a highly reinforced midsole unit. The development process took three years, and even then, the shoe was not without its problems. For example, some users have reported that the shoes don't have much grip, making it difficult to stop when playing basketball.
The manufacturing process for the Foamposite was also unique. The upper was formed by pouring liquid polyurethane into a mould and mixing it with heat and pressure to create a durable and close-fitting shape. This sculpted upper was then adjoined with a lightweight Phylon foam midsole for optimal cushioning. The outsole was made from rubber and carbon fibre, which provided stability and grip, as well as contributing to the shoe's futuristic appeal.
To cut down on manufacturing time, Nike invested in special gluing and stitching techniques that were five times more durable than conventional methods. This was necessary to ensure that the moulded upper stayed attached to the midsole. Despite these innovations, the Foamposite was a challenging and expensive shoe to produce, and it is no surprise that it retailed at a higher price point than traditional Nike sneakers.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Foamposites are good basketball shoes. They are durable, comfortable, and offer stability. They are heavier than standard basketball sneakers, but they are designed to mould to the shape of the wearer's foot.
The upper of the shoe is made from hardened Polyurethane. When the wearer plays basketball, the Polyurethane softens from the heat and moisture, allowing it to contour to the shape of the foot.
The main downside of Foamposites is that they require a lot of break-in time. The shoe hardens after cooling, so it needs to be warmed up again before playing. The heel lockdown has also been criticised for being sloppy, with the shoe feeling clunky.
Yes, Foamposites are pretty expensive. When they were first released in 1997, they retailed for $170-$180, which was considered very expensive for a sneaker at the time. Today, they cost $240.
