You can always trust John Trottier, the talented custom sneaker artist, to give a fresh spin to revered sneaker classics. Be it by reimagining them with bold new colourways or integrating unique handcrafted detailing, he transforms these beloved designs into one-of-a-kind pieces of art. An ideal illustration of his unending creativity is the Air Jordan 1 High “Supreme Foamposite.” In this design, Trottier thoughtfully merges the legendary Air Jordan silhouette with the memorable design cues of Nike’s and Supreme’s iconic Foamposite One collaboration.
The Story Behind the Sneaker
Who could possibly forget the release of the Nike x Supreme Foamposite One collaboration? This is, after all, the infamous pair that nearly ignited a riot at the Supreme NY store the day before its grand debut.
On the eve of the 2014 release, customers who were camping overnight were met with pepper spray by the N.Y.P.D., who were attempting to control the crowd surging towards the store entrance. To ensure public safety, police were forced to cancel the launch event. Of course, the chaos surrounding the release only added to the hype and exclusivity of the collaboration, making it a truly unforgettable moment in sneaker history.
If you’re wondering what triggered such frenzy, let’s step back and appreciate the design aesthetic of the Supreme Foamposite One. This design initially dropped in two bold colours: vibrant red and sophisticated black.
Both variants boasted an exquisitely designed upper decorated with a metallic gold foliage motif inspired by Versace. The luxurious black nubuck throat and collar, combined with subtle Supreme branding on the mesh tongue, give the shoe a sophisticated edge.
Additional features include a bold black and white carbon fibre shank and a clear outsole accentuated by a black solid rubber insert. Of course, just by looking at them, it’s not hard to discern why these beauties became instant collector’s items for sneakerheads around the world.
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John Trottier takes inspiration from this aesthetic, the one that caused a frenzy among fans, and expertly integrates it into his Air Jordan 1 design. His dedication to the finer details is showcased in how well he has translated the look of these iconic sneakers onto the charming 80s silhouette.
Taking a Closer Look at the Air Jordan 1 High “Supreme Foamposite”
Just like the original design, these sneakers come in two bold hues: black and red. However, it’s worth noting that the images do not indicate whether these dynamic colourways are meant to be worn as a set or if they are available to purchase individually. One thing is certain: irrespective of the colour distinction, both pairs share similarly beautiful design features.
To kick things off, let’s look at the uppers. They are constructed from shiny, patent leather. This detail is aimed at replicating the sleek sheen of a Foamposite shell. This glossy surface is adorned with a distinct Versace-like pattern, completing the look with gold Nike Swooshes for that touch of luxury.
Adding to these details, the white accents on the carbon fibre shanks have been cleverly reimagined as sharp white trims. But from here on out, each pair boasts its own unique flair.
The red pair features a clean white midsole, a red rubber outsole, and dark black laces, while the black version flaunts a stark black sole unit offset with pristine white laces.
How to Cop a Pair
These striking kicks were crafted by Trottier in April 2023. However, if you’ve got your heart set on owning a pair, it might be worth seeing if he’s open to replicating the style. Maybe you’d even fancy trying this design on a different shoe model.
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However, if it’s the original Foamposite sneakers that have caught your eye, online resale platforms like eBay, GOAT, and StockX are your best bet. Just be prepared to shell out at least three times the original price for a well-kept pair.
So, what are your thoughts about the Air Jordan 1 High “Supreme Foamposite”? Does the colourway work on the AJ1, or do you still prefer the original design?
