Air Foamposite

The Nike Air Foamposite is the basketball shoe with a glossy, seamless shell instead of a stitched upper. When it appeared in 1997 it looked like nothing else in the shops, and that futuristic look still makes it instantly recognisable. The Foamposite One in particular, linked to Penny Hardaway, is a fixture among Nike collectors.

The history of the Nike Air Foamposite

Designer Eric Avar, who later also shaped the Nike Kobe line, worked with a new production process for the Foamposite. The upper was created by pouring liquid material into a mould, producing a shell without seams. Penny Hardaway, then the star player of the Orlando Magic, saw the prototype and wanted to wear it. The blue Foamposite One therefore got his ‘1 Cent’ logo.

At the same time came the Foamposite Pro, the same shoe with a Swoosh instead of Penny’s logo. In the late 90s the Air Flightposite followed, with a shroud that covers the laces. In 2012 the ‘Galaxy’ version caused long queues outside shops around the NBA All-Star weekend, giving the model a new generation of fans.

Design and technology

The Foamposite shell is sturdy and water-repellent, and moulds to your foot over time. Under the foot sits a carbon fibre plate for stability, with Zoom Air cushioning. Thanks to the smooth surface, the material works well with metallic shades, prints and solid colours. Besides the One and the Pro, this model also covers the Flightposite and the Clogposite, a slip-on with the same shell shape.

Popular Air Foamposite colorways

On WOOVIN these versions are viewed most often right now:

• Air Foamposite One ‘Black Volt’ – black shell with neon yellow accents.
• Air Foamposite One ‘Galaxy’ (2025) – a starry-sky print in dark blue, black and anthracite.
• Air Flightposite ‘Black’ (2025) – all black, with the signature shroud over the laces.
• Air Foamposite One ‘International Blue’ – blue with white, black and a clear sole.
• Air Foamposite One ‘Copper’ (2024) – black with a shiny copper-coloured shell.

Foamposite One or Foamposite Pro: what is the difference?

In construction they are almost identical: the same shell, sole and cushioning. The difference is in the logos. The One carries Penny Hardaway’s ‘1 Cent’ logo and only has a small Swoosh near the toe. The Pro has a long Swoosh across the side and no Penny logo. If you want Penny’s shoe, choose the One; for a cleaner Nike look, the Pro.

How does the Nike Air Foamposite fit?

Retailers generally describe the Foamposite as true to size, so you can stick to your usual Nike size. The shell gives little at first and closes snugly around the foot, especially at the instep. If you have wide feet or a high instep, or wear thick socks, choose half a size up. With normal and narrow feet, stay with your own size.

Buy the Nike Air Foamposite at WOOVIN

At WOOVIN you will find the Foamposite One and Pro, the Flightposite and the Clogposite, from black basics to the well-known Galaxy print. Pay attention to the finish when choosing: metallic and glossy shells show scratches sooner than matte colours. Looking for a more recent signature shoe for the court? Then also take a look at the Nike LeBron.