The interesting story Scottie Pippen’s path in the NBA tells is full of “what if” options. Clearly one of the best players in NBA history, Pippen’s legacy is sometimes eclipsed by his legendary teammate Michael Jordan. Still, his off-court as well as on-court contributions—including his line of signature shoes—deserve recognition. Jordan’s shoe line became a worldwide sensation, but basketball players and sneakerheads both have particular fondness for Pippen’s footwear.
Examining the several styles Scottie Pippen wore over his career and honouring the achievements of a player sometimes considered the best sidekick in basketball history, this guide explores the background of his shoes.
Scottie Pippen Shoes paired with Avia
Coming from the less-known University of Central Arkansas, Scottie Pippen was draughted fiveteenth overall in the 1987 NBA Draft. Pippen strapped up with a pair of low-top Avia 855 trainers for his NBA debut.
Avia 885:
During the 1980s, American Oregon-based shoe maker Avia was a major participant in the basketball shoe market. NBA legends abound on their roster: Clyde Drexler, John Stockton, and naturally Pippen. Pippen wore Avia shoes from 1987 to 1991; during this time he became one of the most adaptable players in the game and a defensive juggernaut.
Pippen briefly changed to Nike Air Flights in 1990, but he stayed with Avia until his official transfer to Nike in 1991.
Scottie Pippen Nike Shoes
Starting with the Nike Air Flight Lite Low, Pippen formally transitioned to Nike in 1991. During the regular season in a white and red colourway, Pippen’s go-to shoe became this one with an air unit in the heel and a light weight construction. He changed to a black and white rendition for the playoffs, guiding the Bulls to NBA Finals triumph against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Nike Flight Lite 2 (1992)
Wearing three different colours of the Nike Air Flight Lite 2: a white and red pair for the regular season, a black and white pair for the playoffs, and a red, white and blue pair during the 1992 Barcelona Olympics as a member of the Dream Team, Pippen carried on the Nike Air Flight line in the 1992 season.
Nike Airlines Flight Huarache (1992)
Another great model Pippen wore in the 1992 season was the Nike Air Flight Huarache in the iconic white/purple/royal/black hueway. He wore these for the 1992 NBA All-Star game, which was notoriously Magic Johnson’s last game.
Nike Air Maestro 2 ( 1993-1994)
Pippen’s shoe wear throughout the 1993–1994 season was unforgettable. Michael Jordan retired, and Pippen took over the Bulls wearing the Nike Air Maestro 2, especially a vivid red and black pair for the All-Star Game, where he was selected MVP.
Nike Air Swift ( Playoff 1994)
Pippen changed to the Nike Air Swift in the 1994 playoffs; this became famous after he dunked on Patrick Ewing in the conference finals.
Shoes by Scottie Pippen: The Pippen Line
Nike Air Pippen 1 ( 1996-97)
Launched during the 1996–1997 NBA season, Pippen’s first trademark sneaker is the Nike Air Pippen 1. Full-length Uptempo Air, jewelled accents, and a massive 90s design defined this shoe. She was a consistent on-court player who rapidly became a classic, even surpassing the popularity of Jordan’s year model.
Nike Air Pippen 2 ( 1997-98)
Drawing on the popularity of its predecessor, the Nike Air Pippen 2 debuted in 1998. Featuring full-length herringbone traction, Zoom Air units in the forefoot and heel, and a luxury leather top, this model was slighter and more attractive. Pippen wore these during his sixth and last NBA title season.
Nike Air Pippen 3 ( 1998–1999 )
Though it was the least ostentatious in Pippen’s collection, the Nike Air Pippen 3 was among his best-performing signature shoes. Available in three colours, this sneaker signalled Pippen’s arrival to the Houston Rockets, where he teamed with Charles Barkley and Hakeem Olajuwon.
The Legacy of Shoes Designed by Scottie Pippen
Though Scottie Pippen’s sneakers never attained the legendary reputation of the Air Jordan line, they nonetheless bear evidence of his remarkable career and influence on the game. From his early days with Avia to his championship exploits with Nike Scottie Pippen Shoes, every model captures a chapter in his trip. Not only for their performance but also for the legacy of one of the NBA’s best players, Scottie Pippen shoes are appreciated today by volleyball players and sneakerheads both.
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