Verdict from 1 expert and 10 user reviews
9 reasons to buy
- Many owners declare that these Nike basketball shoes are very comfortable to wear, just like the Nike LeBron 16 and the Kyrie 5.
- A considerable number of buyers are pleased with the shoe’s unique style. They just love rocking these basketball sneakers casually.
- Many owners are quite satisfied with the shoe’s overall quality.
- According to most commenters, the Nike Air Max Penny 1 is an excellent basketball shoe. They assert that it may be one of the best models Nike has ever produced.
- These retro basketball shoes from Nike have good traction, several players note. However, wiping on dusty courts is pretty much required.
- These shoes have a thick outsole so outdoor use should be OK, one tester reports.
- The Nike Penny 1 fits true to size according to some.
- More than a handful are saying that the Air Max cushioning is very supportive.
- The shoe’s lockdown and support are nearly perfect, several users commend.
5 reasons not to buy
- A few buyers are disappointed with these retro basketball shoes. They say that it is not as good as they expected.
- The Air Max unit is noticeably thinner, a handful of owners comment.
- More than a handful of wearers are reporting that these shoes are quite roomy. They feel that the Penny 1 runs a bit big.
- A small number of wearers complain that the Nike Air Max Penny 1 feels stiff and uncomfortable.
- Several commenters note that these retro Nike basketball shoes are quite heavy and bulky.
Bottom line
Reviewers are quite pleased with their Nike Penny 1. Style, comfort, and of course pure nostalgia make these basketball sneakers a must-cop for Penny Hardaway fans or anyone who grew up in the 90’s.
From a performance standpoint, the Nike Air Max Penny 1 is still playable; however, for today’s standards, there are much better performance models that you can get for a lot less. All in all, you can’t go wrong with these retro sneakers. The Penny 1 is good to play ball in and even better to rock casually.
Tip: see the best basketball shoes.
Good to know
Nike brings back another iconic silhouette with the return of Penny Hardaway’s original basketball shoe. Made for one of the 90’s best players, the Nike Air Max Penny 1 is a blend of both performance and style.
These Nike basketball sneakers feature a mix of genuine and synthetic leather for a premium look. A Phylon midsole adds a plush feel while a heel Air Max unit provides cushioned comfort.
Cushion. The full-length Phylon midsole offers lightweight cushioning and delivers a plush feel underfoot. At the heel, a Nike Air Max unit provides maximum impact protection during explosive take-offs.
Traction. The Nike Penny 1 is equipped with a full rubber outsole that offers durable traction on any surface.
Length and Width. These Nike basketball shoes reportedly run true to size; however, a few are saying that it runs big. If possible, it is best to try these shoes in-store for a precise fit.
Lockdown. The Nike Air Max Penny 1 has a lace-up closure that provides an adjustable fit. The shoe’s Phylon midsole extends up the lateral side and forms a support wing that offers added stability when performing quick side-to-side movements.
These retro Nike basketball sneakers feature a combination of genuine and synthetic leather that delivers total support and premium comfort.
These retro Nike Air Max Penny 1s are an exact replica of the original. Penny’s “1 Cent” logo is featured on the heel while the Swoosh is displayed on the lateral support wing and tongue. A ¾-height collar completes this classic shoe’s silhouette.
The Nike Air Max Penny 1 was originally released in 1995 and saw retro runs in 2000, 2007, 2011, 2014, and 2018.
- Nike Air Max Penny 1 Black/Club Purple-Bright Mandarin ‘Phoenix’
- Nike Air Max Penny 1 Black/Dark Grey-White
- Nike Air Max Penny 1 Black/Electric Green
- Nike Air Max Penny 1 Black/Game Royal-Metallic Silver-White ‘All-Star’
- Nike Air Max Penny 1 Black/Sport Royal-White-Orange Blaze 'Knicks'
- Nike Air Max Penny 1 Black/Varsity Royal-White 'Orlando'
- Nike Air Max Penny 1 Red/White
- Nike Air Max Penny 1 University Red/White-Black
- Nike Air Max Penny 1 White/Royal
- Nike Air Max Penny 1 White/Varsity Red
- Nike Air Max Penny 1 White/White-Metallic Silver
- Nike Air Max Penny 1 Wolf Grey/Black-White
Nike Air Max Penny 1 ‘1996 All Star Game’ by Dank Customs
Sneaker designer Jake Danklefs created a special pair of Penny 1s that pays homage to the 1996 All-Star Game held in San Antonio, Texas. Dressed in turquoise and grey with orange and pink accents, these custom made sneakers are a throwback to the Spurs old colors.
Nike Air Max Penny 1 ‘Black Ripstop’
Sold exclusively at House of Hoops in 2011, this all-black Nike basketball shoe features a full ripstop nylon upper and a blacked-out translucent outsole. This tooling gives a new twist to the ‘Blackout’ and ‘All-Star’ color options.
Nike Air Max Penny 1 ‘Doernbecher’
Released in 2014, the Nike Air Max Penny 1 ‘Doernbecher’ was designed by then eight-year-old Alejandro Muñoz. Alejandro was born with kidneys that did not function well and will eventually fail. He takes five different medications and makes frequent trips to Doernbecher for weekly shots and regular blood drawings.
To show Alejandro’s love for soccer, this limited edition Penny 1 features personal drawings and designs that cover the entire upper. Design details include the San Francisco 49’ers logo, a self-portrait, and his name on the heel tabs.
Nike Air Max Penny 1 ‘Lil’ Penny’
The Nike Air Max Penny 1 ‘Lil’ Penny’ pays tribute to Penny Hardaway’s pint-sized companion from his famous 90’s commercials. Dressed in Lil’ Penny’s Pros uniform, this basketball sneaker features a combination of blue, white, and red. Completing the theme is Lil’ Penny’s “½” jersey number embroidered on the heel.
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