This Day In Sneaker History: The Redeem Team Recaptures Gold Medal for USA

Can you believe it has already been three years since the Redeem Team dominated competition in the Beijing Olympic Games? The Redeem Team, made up of stars including Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, is considered the second best Olympic basketball team ever assembled (Dream Team is obviously first). On this day three years ago, the Redeem Team defeated Spain 118-107 to accomplish their expectation of winning the tournament. Not only did the Redeem Team leave onlookers in awe with their superb plays, but they also performed in style. Kobe Bryant sported the then-newly designed Nike Zoom Hyperdunk, a shoe that is undoubtedly responsible for kicking off the Nike “Hyper” series. LeBron James’s feet shared time in between the “United We Rise” Nike Zoom LeBron VI and the Nike Zoom LeBron Soldier II. Dwyane Wade, a former Converse brand member and the leading scorer on the Redeem Team, laced up a new Converse Team Signature shoe. Other players, such as Carmelo Anthony and Chris Paul, also spent time in their signature kicks as well.

Another interesting footwear angle involving the Redeem Team was the logo controversy. If you recall, Dwight Howard was the only player on the team not signed to a Nike affiliated brand. Therefore, many questioned why Dwight Howard?s hand covered the Nike logo on the jersey and why Coach K?s foot stood in front of Howard’s shoes.

Let us know your thoughts on today’s “This Day In Sneaker History” installment. Do you vividly remember the Redeem Team’s run three years ago?

Converse Dwyane Wade Team Signature