Welcome Back: Images of Nike Zoom Flight The Glove Have Arrived

The Nike Air Zoom Flight is the highest echelon of sneakers. The shrouded silhouette famously worn by 9x NBA All-Star Gary Payton represents what some may call the halcyon days of Nike basketball. The experimental shoe leaned into the player’s personality and innovation, resulting in one of Nike’s most iconic basketball silhouettes. The Glove is so synonymous with the 1996 DPOY that it has become a de facto part of his signature line despite the fact that his signature shoe didn’t arrive until the 99-00 season. The Zoom Flight’s unique aesthetic and design language would go on to shape the rest of Payton’s Nike line.

Fits Like a Glove

After reports that the model would be returning in 2026, retailer images of the Nike Air Zoom Flight in its famed black and white colorway have finally arrived. It has been a dozen years since the model last returned, and the Zoom Flight looks as good as ever. Of course the model retains its signature black neoprene shroud, inspired by Payton’s nom de guerre, ‘The Glove.’

White accents the large Swoosh that stretches from the toe to the midfoot, the mini Swoosh on the medial side, the medial midsole and the Zoom Flight branding on the heel tab. Hidden underneath the shroud is a red plastic support cage called the Monkey’s Paw meant to hold the foot in place on the court. By folding the shroud instead of zipping it, the wearer could expose the hand-like structure to add some visual flare and a pop of color to the two-tone pair.

Nike Air Zoom Flight The Glove Release Details

The Nike Air Zoom Flight is set to release Fall 2026 via Nike and select retailers online and in-stores. Available in men’s sizing, the retail price is set at $170. For all the latest in the world of streetwear and sneakers, download the Sole Retriever mobile app.

Devin Robertson

Devin Robertson is a writer and sneakerhead from Memphis, TN. Outside of sneakers, he enjoys film, comics, and music.