Source: Jed Jacobsohn/Getty
With so many sneakers available these days, Nike, adidas, New Balance and even Asics are running on the street scene, but can the AND1 make the comeback that no one saw coming in 2024?
We're not sure if that's a sustainable goal for the brand that never really caught on, but that doesn't stop them from bringing back a 'classic'. Sneaker News states that AND1 plans to revamp the white and red 'Tai Chi' colorway worn by Vince Carter when he won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest in 2000. While that feat didn't exactly put AND1 on the map, it was still a memorable moment for hanging out with them as they were just starting to find their feet in the sneaker game at the time.
Now, 24 years later, AND1 feels it's time to take everyone back and re-release the “classic” silhouette just in time for the back-to-school shopping spree parents are on right now as their kids head back to school. class in the best clothes they can afford.
Per Sneaker News:
AND1 Tai Chi's timing in the spotlight was completely fortuitous. just months ago, Vince turned down his deal with PUMA before finally signing with Nike to become the face of the Shox franchise. During that period of shoe purgatory, Vince rocked Tai Chi from the groundbreaking AND1 brand, a label that evolved from the indie movement into perhaps the most popular basketball imprint at the time. You can read the full story on Vince's moves in the footwear industry here
The Vince Carter era of Tai Chi may have been short-lived, but it is arguably one of the most important basketball shoes in history. Remembered for its bold two-tone color blocking, the Tai Chi was worn by Stephon Marbury, Kevin Garnett, Jason Williams and more exciting bags from the late 1990s/early 2000s.
We won't lie, if people don't know the history of this sneaker, anyone rocking them in the wild can be cloned. We all know kids are ruthless in the age of social media. I'm just saying.
AND1 Tai Chi's are currently available at AND1 website for $130. Check out the photos from the OG games below and let us know if you'll be picking up a pair for nostalgia's sake in the comments section.
