Enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame this year, Gary Payton was one of the best defenders, trash talkers, and point guards in NBA history. In his time in the league Payton was known for being one of the toughest defenders to play against Michael Jordan, as well as being one half of the original and self-proclaimed “Lob City” duo featuring himself and Shawn Kemp in Seattle. Payton also made waves with his sneaker game during his time in the league. All of the previously mentioned strengths lead to his own kicks with Nike in 1998 – the Nike Air Zoom Flight 98. Those kicks, named after Payton’s nickame “The Glove,” will be reissued this weekend in his on-court colorway. “The Glove” takes the nickname to heart – wrapping a basketball shoe in a stylized bootie with a diagonal zipper to seal in the laces and ankle. For those not familiar with the original shoe, it is very similar to the bootie of the Jordan XX8. While the shoe is sleek and simple zipped up, many choose to wear the outer layer folded down, especially off-court. A folded down bootie reveals a mostly mesh basketball shoe with a stylized upper and lots of ankle padding. Along the shoe’s heel reads “The Glove” just so you know who’s kicks these are.

The Nike Air Zoom Flight “The Glove” drops at Foot Locker, House of Hoops by Foot Locker, and Footlocker.com (starting at 8:00 am EDT) at Footlocker.com on Saturday, October 5, for $145.

Nike Air Zoom Flight Glove
Black/White-University Red
616772-001
October 5th, 2013
$145

Source: Foot Locker