Just one look at them, and you can see exactly why Nike’s Foamposite sneakers have been a very popular choice among sneakerheads since their initial release all the way back in 1997. These futuristic sneakers are quite eyeful, thanks to their vibrant colourways and unique patterns. Over the years, Nike has released many different bold colourways of the Foamposite, but some have stood out as the best of all time. And the good news is that a lot of them are back in 2024.
Nike Foamposite History
First introduced in 1997 as a basketball shoe, the popular Nike Foamposite sneaker line was first designed to offer both durability and support for players on the court. But it’s not just a pretty face. What also makes them unique is the use of the Foamposite material used in the sneakers, which was created by Nike designer Eric Avar and was originally intended for use in the Air Jordan line. In order to make a lightweight yet supportive and durable sneaker, Nike used the Foamposite material, which is made by pouring a liquid foam mixture into a mould, which creates a seamless and durable shell that is then attached to the sole of the shoe.
Of course, the huge success of the Air Foamposite One led to the release of the Pro version in 1998, which featured a similar design but with a few tweaks to the sneaker. The updated Pro featured a jewelled Swoosh logo and a slightly different pattern on the upper. Like many of Nike’s other retro sneakers, over the years, the Foamposite line has become a cultural icon. It’s become synonymous with Nike and sneaker culture.
As someone who owns a few pairs in a variety of colourways, I can tell you that the Nike Foamposite is a stunning sneaker that is both comfortable and eye-catching. You’ll get looks from passersby and high-fives from sneaker collectors wearing any of the cool colourways. My personal favourite is Metallic Red, which I managed to grab in 2023. They are shiny and are just a beautiful work of art. Plus, they feel incredibly premium. I wear them to just about any event, formal or informal.
That said, below, you’ll find 20 of the best Nike Foamposite sneaker colourways of all time (and, of course, some of my favourites, too).
1. Nike x Supreme Foamposite 1
Designed in celebration of Supreme’s 20th anniversary, the Air Foamposite One ‘Red’ is a special edition sneaker that boasts a striking Sport Red Foamposite shell upper adorned with a metallic gold foliage pattern inspired by Versace. The throat and collar are crafted with black nubuck, while the mesh tongue features subtle Supreme branding. A black and white carbon fibre shank adds structural support, and the translucent outsole features a black solid rubber insert to complete the look. Of all the Foamposites, this is probably the pair most are trying to get their hands on. They’re stunning.
2. Nike Air Foamposite One Alternate Galaxy
The Nike Air Foamposite One Nebula Alternate Galaxy is a sight to behold. Originally released on January 4th, 2018, with a retail price of $230, the colourway gets its name from the galaxy image featured on the side of the sneaker. The laces, tongue, and eyelets are all black, creating a sharp contrast with the rest of the vibrant colours that make up the sneaker. These sneakers also have an interesting pull-tab with the message “Remove Before Flight” added.
3. Nike Air Foamposite One Eggplant
Like many of the other Foamposite One releases, the vibrant colours of the sneaker are contrasted with sleek black accents on the tongue, laces, eyestay, heel, and inner liner. This makes the vibrant Varsity Purple hue pop and stand out. It’s a beautiful sneaker. If you haven’t seen this colourway up close, we highly recommend that you do. It’s definitely one of the best Nike Air Foamposite colourways of all time. Thankfully, the Nike Air Foamposite One Eggplant is getting a 2024 re-release. So get in line to grab these when they drop. They’re bound to sell out pretty fast.
4. Nike Air Foamposite One ‘Pearlized Pink’
In November 2012, Nike released a special Air Foamposite One ‘Pearlized Pink’ edition for women (although I’m pretty sure it would be considered unisex today). This version of the popular Nike sneaker features a black upper with a standout Polarized Pink Foamposite shell. If pink is your colour, you have no excuse not to purchase these — if you can find them, of course.
5. Air Foamposite One PRM ‘Blue Mirror’
It’s just incredible how Nike found a way to create so many unique colourways for the Foamposite sneaker. And just when you think you’ve seen the best colourway there could be the PRM ‘Blue Mirror’ outshines it and becomes your new favourite. This edition boasts a black upper with a dark neon royal Foamposite shell that has a striking mirror finish.
6. Air Foamposite One ‘Metallic Red’ 2012
In 2017, Nike released the Air Foamposite 1 ‘Metallic Red’ sneaker to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the iconic silhouette that first hit the market in 1997. This edition of the shoe features all the signature elements, including a seamless Foam upper, Zoom Air Unit for cushioning, and a durable carbon-fibre midfoot plate. The red ‘1 Cent’ logo branding on the heel counter pays tribute to Anfernee ‘Penny’ Hardaway, a basketball star who frequently wore the shoe and helped it achieve cult status. Yes, I own these babies. Well, the 2023 version. And they’re pretty solid. You’ll love them.
7. Air Foamposite One ‘Elemental Rose’
Released in April 2018, the Air Foamposite One ‘Elemental Rose’ colourway boasts a distinctive rose-coloured Foamposite shell. The sneaker also includes Elemental Rose accents, such as the 1-Cent logo on the heel and a mini-Swoosh near the toe. Again, this is another stunning release.
8. Air Foamposite One XX QS ‘Big Bang’
Initially created as a sample in 2012, the Air Foamposite One XX QS ‘Big Bang’ showcased a printed graphic depicting a section of the galaxy, complete with sprawling nebulas and star formations. However, this graphic was ultimately scrapped in favour of the ‘Galaxy’ Foamposite during All-Star Weekend in the same year. Recently, the original graphic was revived and featured on the ‘Big Bang’ Air Foamposite One, which was first released exclusively at the Foot Locker Sneakeasy pop-up store in Boston in January 2018, before a wider release coinciding with All-Star Weekend.
9. Comme des Garçons Homme Plus x Air Foamposite One ‘Black’
1997’s special collaboration between Comme des Garçons Homme Plus and Nike resulted in the Nike Air Foamposite One ‘Black’ with Rei Kawakubo’s touch on the classic basketball sneaker. These kicks were showcased at the CDG Homme Plus Fall/Winter 2021 runway show in Tokyo.
10. Air Foamposite One ‘Metallic Gold’
The Nike Air Foamposite One ‘Metallic Gold’ sports a black upper coupled with a metallic gold Foamposite shell. The sneaker was released in March 2016 and features a black carbon fibre shank and an ice-blue translucent outsole. As we said, the colourways just keep on getting better. I’m hoping Nike announces a re-release of this pair in 2024, too. It’s possible, especially considering that we’ve gotten a few of the other popular Nike Foamposite colourways recently.
11. Air Foamposite Pro Premium ‘Vachetta Tan’
The Air Foamposite Pro, originally released in 1997, revolutionized sneaker design and ideology. In 2023, the iconic shoe takes on a new chapter with a premium leather cover, a first for the model. The new luxury edition boasts a Vachetta Tan finish and Rose Gold branding, continuing the shoe’s legacy of innovation. It’s available on SNKRS store.
12. Air Foamposite One NRG ‘Galaxy’
In 2011, Nike and Jordan executive Gentry Humphrey debuted a sample of the Nike Air Foamposite One NRG ‘Galaxy’ at the Sole Collector x Penny Hardaway event. The shoe was then released to the public in February 2012 as part of the ‘All-Star’ pack collection.
13. Air Foamposite One ‘Albino Snakeskin’
The Nike Air Foamposite One ‘Albino Snakeskin’ was released in April 2019 and features a detailed python-print upper with a Habanero Red outsole. This is another drop that needs a re-release. These are really cool.
14. Air Foamposite One QS ‘All-Star – Chromeposite’
The Air Foamposite One AS QS sneaker was released as a collaboration for the 2015 NBA All-Star weekend and is known for being Penny Hardaway’s signature silhouette. It features a metallic ‘Chromeposite’ colourway that gives off a mirror-like sheen.
15. Comme des Garçons Homme Plus x Air Foamposite One ‘White’
The Comme des Garçons Homme Plus x Nike Air Foamposite One ‘White’ made its debut during the Japanese brand’s Fall/Winter 2021 runway show in Tokyo. The retro basketball shoe has been given a monochromatic update with a soft white finish on the signature Foamposite upper, which is made from liquid polyurethane poured into a mould. Warped concentric circles decorate each side panel, and a tonal mini-Swoosh is embroidered on the lateral forefoot. The heel tab bears the ‘Comme des Garçons Homme Plus’ logo in black. The shoe’s herringbone-tread rubber outsole is supported by a carbon fibre shank plate.
16. Air Foamposite One Prm ‘Wheat’
In winter 2014, Nike released the Air Foamposite One Prm ‘Wheat’ which showcases a Foamposite upper in a Haystack colourway. The mid-top sneaker highlights leather details on the eyestay, Track Brown accents on the collar and lace-up closure, and a breathable mesh insole. It also features a carbon fibre grind plate and a translucent gum outsole with improved traction for better stability and grip.
17. Air Foamposite Pro ‘Silver Surfer’
Getting it’s name from the Marvel character, the Nike Air Foamposite Pro ‘Silver Surfer’ shoe showcases a metallic silver Foamposite outer shell adorned with a carbon fibre graphic pattern and a matching Nike swoosh. It was launched in March 2017 and includes black nubuck and mesh accents on the upper. The shoe’s ice-white translucent outsole provides a clean finish.
18. Wmns Air Foamposite One ‘Glitter’
The Air Foamposite One ‘Glitter’ was first introduced in 2018 as a women’s exclusive iteration of the 1997 Nike original. This version boasts an Obsidian upper with a sparkling Foamposite shell.
19. Supreme x Air Foamposite One SP ‘Black’
In April 2014, Nike launched the Supreme x Air Foamposite One sneaker, which boasts a black and metallic gold Foamposite upper with Supreme branding on the tongue. The design is completed with a black and white carbon fibre shank and a translucent outsole. Additionally, the sneakers were also available in a red colourway (see above).
20. Air Foamposite Pro ‘Black Metallic Gold’
The Air Foamposite Pro ‘Black Metallic Gold’ boasts a mostly black colour scheme, with metallic gold accents highlighting the Swoosh and tongue. The shoe’s classic seamless moulded shell is intact, and the inner bootie system is designed for flexible support. Underfoot, the shoe features a traditional carbon fibre midsole shank.
Tell us, what do you think are the best Nike Foamposites of all time?
Watch our unboxing video for the Nike Air Foamposite Metallic Red release below:
