Michael Jordan surprised the world and Nike when he announced his retirement after the 1993 season. Just as one legend was leaving the game, fresh young talent entered the league to many fan’s excitement. Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway was drafted and immediately traded to the Orlando Magic where he and a young Shaquille O’Neal got down to business without wasting much time.
Nike immediately got behind Penny, lacing him in a number of top Nike Basketball shoes for his first two seasons before gracing him with his first signature shoe for the 1995-96 season. Nike followed their successful formula from the Air Jordan line for the Nike Penny line. Nike called upon talented designer Eric Avar for the designs and Spike Lee for the commercial campaign. Penny had a little trash talking sidekick Li’l Penny who followed him around with each shoe that was released.
| Nike Air Up ’94 1994-95
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Nike Air Flight 96 1994-95
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Nike Air Flight One 1994-95
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| Nike Air Max Penny I 1995-96
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Nike Air Flight 96 Olympic 1996
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Nike Air Penny II 1996-97
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| Nike Foamposite One 1996-97
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Nike Air Penny III 1997-98
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Nike Air Penny IV 1998-99
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