Many of us probably know about Zoom Air cushioning from sneakers like Nike SBs, but the technology had to start somewhere! Enter the Nike Air Zoom Alpha in Binary Blue.
This is a retro of an original colorway of a shoe that first released in 1996.
Zoom Air (at first called “Tensile Air”) made its debut a tad earlier than these, but these were the first real running shoe to feature the technology. The shoe would later evolve into the Spiridon. This particular retro just ships with a regular Nike box and some white laces.
These are actually smart shoes for collectors to grab. The market for these type of retros are very niche, so they tend to get slept on and go on sale for well below retail. Years later, when retros are not continually pumped out, the OG colorways tend to rise in value. I’m glad I got these for a steal and now have a piece of history in the collection!
How Are The Materials?
This is not a materials shoe. Many of these retro runners feature somewhat similar synthetic feeling materials to their original counterparts. In this case we get a basic smooth leather, a shinier leather and some mesh. Nothing to write home about texture wise, but that doesn’t take away from a shoe like this for me. The point here is the nostalgia and look/vibe rather than premium quality components.
How Do They Fit?
These are true to size and so comfortable. While basic by today’s standards, the Zoom cushioning is quite comfy and the shoe itself is roomy in all the right areas. This model always had a bit of a blocky toe, so I’m not expecting these retros to have the super pointy look to them.
Where To Cop the Nike Air Zoom Alpha
As of the writing of this article, you can find these on eBay
Colorway: Binary Blue / Carotene – White
Style Code: BQ8800-400
Year of Release: 2019
MSRP: $150