Imagining Classic Nike Colorways on the Hyperdunk 2014

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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Image via Erin Kelly
Image via Erin Kelly

Air Bakin’ “Black/Varsity Red”

The Air Bakin’s vibrant red-and-yellow hues on the Hyperdunk are a perfect fit, as the ventilation cutouts on the Hyperdunk mimic the swooping mesh lines of the original Air Bakin’. In the ‘90s, the Air Bakin’ was a high performer, worn by lightning quick guards like Tim Hardaway. For this Hyperdunk iteration, it’d only make sense to see Kyrie Irving in them.

Image via Erin Kelly
Image via Erin Kelly

Air Raid “Peace”

Earlier this year, the Air Raid received the retro treatment in a colorway that was actually pulled from the Air Raid II model. The tribal “Peace” pattern screams early ‘90s, and it’d add some unique flair to the more modern Hyperdunk. Stealthy black Hyperfuse and a multi-colored Lunarlon midsole would make this the perfect blend of retro style and performance tech.

Image via Erin Kelly
Image via Erin Kelly

Air Flight Huarache “Lyon Blue/Bold Berry”

After years of anticipation, the Air Flight Huarache finally returned in its original form last month. The 1992 model was highly groundbreaking, as it introduced Huarache technology to basketball. The form-fitting sleeve went onto become one of the Swoosh’s biggest hoops innovations ever, appearing on countless models throughout the next two decades. Imagine the classic Fab 5 color scheme taking over the Hyperdunk 2014 for a high performance throwback.

Image via Erin Kelly
Image via Erin Kelly

Air Jordan 1 “Black/Royal”

The Black/Royal Air Jordan 1 has reached “grail” status for many, and the simple yet striking colorway would lend itself well to the 2014’s Hyperdunk. It’s a match nearly three decades in the making, and would be a great way to pay tribute to a classic without tarnishing the OG’s legacy.

Image via Erin Kelly
Image via Erin Kelly

Air Zoom Kobe V “Bruce Lee”

In 2010, Nike went all out with the Zoom Kobe V, releasing a handful of colorways inspired by some of the Mamba’s favorite flicks, including the “Dark Knight” and “Bruce Lee” makeups. Meanwhile, Kobe was one of the first players to wear the original Hyperdunk, so there’s already a strong connection there. The battle-ready “Bruce Lee” motif would look great on this year’s Hyperdunk.

Image via Erin Kelly
Image via Erin Kelly

Air Max LeBron VII “Red Carpet”

The LeBron VII is one of most popular models in the King’s signature line, and the “Red Carpet” colorway might be the best of the bunch. These colors served as a precursor to styles like the “Pre-Heat” LeBron VIII, and the combo of a black and white base with teal accents and red laces would add some familiar flair to the Hyperdunk 2014.

Image via Erin Kelly
Image via Erin Kelly

Air Command Force

Set for a return this fall is 1991’s Air Command Force. Made famous by “The Admiral” David Robinson, this big man’s high top comes equipped with a pump in the heel for an adjustable fit. Similarly, the Hyperdunk 2014’s lacing system offers a customizable fit, and these two would come together nicely for a new age classic.

Image via Erin Kelly
Image via Erin Kelly

Air Yeezy “Tan”

Just for fun, we’d like to see a hypebeast take on the Hyperdunk 2014 in the form of the original Air Yeezy “Tan.” This would be the sort of shoe you could leave on for a night out after a long day of balling. We’ve seen Nike OD on the Black/Solar Pink colorway to the point of no return, but the “Tan” makeup would be welcomed with open arms.

Image via Erin Kelly
Image via Erin Kelly

Air Mag

The original Hyperdunk drew inspiration from the legendary Air Mag, and Nike even released a limited “Marty McFly” colorway to seal the deal. Unfortunately, this ‘80s-themed colorway only made one appearance on the Hyperdunk, but we would have loved to see it become a regular thing. This year’s model would be a good place to pick back up.

Image via Erin Kelly
Image via Erin Kelly

Air Foamposite One “Royal”

The Air Foamposite has been coated in nearly every color and print imaginable, but it’s hard to touch the original “Royal” colorway made famous by Penny Hardaway. The gleaming blue upper of the Foamposite, which has been compared to candy paint, would shine just as brightly on the Hyperfuse upper of the Hyperdunk 2014.

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