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Model: LA Gear Catapult
Year: 1991
Enhancement: Fiberglass and graphite Catapult heel system
Price: $100
Backed by Karl Malone, the LA Gear Catapult was brought out to help the brand light up the performance market. Competing with Nike Air and Reebok Pump tech, the Catapult featured a spring system in the heel designed to propel the athlete. The Mailman did just fine in them picking up 1st Team All-NBA honors in them but most didn’t fair as well. That same year Nike would file suit against LA Gear for spring-moderator technology and a pair of Catapult sneakers would break in a nationally televised game.
