Ask any Atlantan and they will tell you that 1996 was the most pivotal year in the city’s history. Nike is documenting the time with a new colorway of the Air Trainer SC. The 1996 Olympic games in Atlanta gave us plenty of memories ranging from Muhammad Ali lighting the torch to Michael Johnson’s gold cleats. We even saw Shaquille O’Neal announce that he was leaving the Orlando Magic for the Los Angeles Lakers while he was playing for the “Dream Team.” The year 1996 was also a big one for the city as Outkast released their landmark ATLiens album and hosted perhaps the most memorable Freaknik. Nike is capturing the energy that the year provided with a very limited edition of the Air Trainer SC. The suede and leather upper are inspired by the logo and official colors of the 1996 Olympic games. The peach on the tongue pay homage to state of Georgia while the multi-colored bottom draws inspiration from that year’s infamous Olympic mascot Izzy [originally known as “Whatizit?”]. For an added bonus, the shoes glow-in-the-dark as a slight nod to the ATLiens. While the model is often referred to as the “Bo Jacksons” these shoes are strictly for the A. Only 1,996 pairs will be released and they will only be on sale at Atlanta-based retailers. The shoe was conceptualized by respected Atlanta cultural influencer and now Nike guy “Senor Kaos.” The photos were taken by Atlanta [by way of Decatur] born photographer Decatur Dan. So this is a true collector’s item for all Atlantans or lovers of the city. We all can’t be like Gucci Mane and get a pair early though. The rest of us will have to wait until the July 19 release date. Retail $140. More photos after the jump. Photo: Nike
