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Over the decades, we’ve seen the world of basketball and football collide, thanks to NFL stars rocking performance basketball shoes as cleats. In recent years, there has been an even stronger uptick in this category, especially with Nike officially converting sneakers like the LeBron 4, Dunk, Air Jordan 1, Air Jordan 4, and more to spikes. However, ahead of the return of the Nike Air Foamposite Pro Pearl later this year, images of the all-new Vaporposite Pro mimicking the iconic sneaker have emerged online.
The Foamposite Pro Pearl was one of the original colorways released on the Foamposite Pro model, but it was made famous when Ray Allen laced the pair up in his portrayal of Jesus Shuttlesworth in the 1998 film “He Got Game.” It wouldn’t be until 2009 that the pair would retro, though it came with a slight gold tint and was exclusively released at House of Hoops. Later retros took place in 2010 and 2015.
For its gridiron makeover, the pair uses Foamposite material on its upper in a similar mold to the original Foamposite Pro. This includes the black Swoosh detail on the lateral heel and black nubuck eyestays. An internal knit bootie borrowed from the Vapor Edge 360 features pull tabs in black and red, just like the Pearl colorway, and hits of white come in the form of mini Swoosh logos on the lateral toe. Finishing the sneaker is the Vapor Edge 360 cleated sole unit.
The Nike Vaporposite Pro Pearl will release Holiday 2025 through Nike and select retailers online and in-store. Available in men’s sizing, the retail price is set at $210. Download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. When not writing for Sole Retriever, I enjoy watching films and discovering music. Follow me on Letterboxd @nickvlah For tips, reviews, or any shoes in a size 13, email nick@soleretriever.com
