The Nike Air Zoom Flight The Glove made a surprise return on Tuesday night, thanks to Steph Curry’s latest tunnel moment at Chase Center. His choice landed with intention, as the pair honors Oakland native Gary Payton and one of the boldest Nike Basketball designs of the late ’90s.
Curry has turned his sneaker free-agency period into a nightly storyline, rotating through pairs with clear purpose. This arrival stood out, especially with the Oklahoma City Thunder in town and Gary Payton II delivering meaningful minutes for Golden State. That connection added weight to the moment and served as a subtle nod to the Payton family’s Bay Area roots.
The pair Steph wore mirrors the original black-and-white colorway from Payton’s prime Seattle era. The zipped shroud, aggressive traction, and dual Swoosh layout still give the shoe a unique on-court personality. Seeing it back in the spotlight also feels timely, since the OG “Black/White” colorway is expected to return in 2026. That potential comeback adds extra intrigue for collectors watching Curry’s nightly rotations.
With the Warriors heading to Philadelphia next, the Curry Watch storyline continues rolling. Fans now wait to see whether his next tunnel moment tops this tribute built around the Nike Air Zoom Flight The Glove, which is officially returning in 2026.
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