{"id":432314,"date":"2015-02-12T17:13:46","date_gmt":"2015-02-12T22:13:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.snkrsday.com\/?p=432314"},"modified":"2019-01-05T13:27:15","modified_gmt":"2019-01-05T18:27:15","slug":"nike-air-zoom-generation-wheat-throwback-thursday","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.snkrsday.com\/nike-air-zoom-generation-wheat-throwback-thursday\/","title":{"rendered":"Nike Air Zoom Generation “Wheat”: Throwback Thursday"},"content":{"rendered":"

With NBA All-Star weekend upon us and a variety of NBA stars gracing New York City to provide fans an unforgettable weekend, we take things back to the 2004 NBA All-Star weekend on the left coast, as LeBron James showcased one of the most stellar models within his signature line. With that in mind, the latest edition of Snkrs Day Throwback Thursday<\/strong> features the highly-coveted Nike Air Zoom Generation “Wheat”<\/strong>. To see more, flip through the pages below to view the history of the model in question.<\/p>\n

King James<\/h2>\n

Coming out of St.Vincent, St. Mary’s LeBron James was THE<\/em> prized recruit in the country, as collegiate letters flooded his mailbox with the intent of him gracing a big-time university campus. However, the teenage LeBron James had higher aspirations as he declared for the 2003 NBA Draft. In a class headlined by the likes of Carmelo Anthony and Dwyane Wade, James would go on to become the first overall pick to the Cleveland Cavaliers, and subsequently alter the course of the NBA for the foreseeable future.<\/p>\n

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Nike: 90 Million Reasons To Sign<\/h2>\n

After an initial bidding war between several reputable brands, the iconic footwear giant that is Nike made an offer that King James couldn’t refuse as he inked a lucrative 7-year deal\u00a0for a reported 90-million dollars. Upon his arrival into the NBA, Nike introduced\u00a0the world to the LeBron\u00a0James signature line with the introduction of the Nike Air Zoom Generation.<\/p>\n

Arriving in a variety of different hues, the aforementioned model was constructed by a design team led by Aaron Cooper, along with the assistance of the legendary Tinker Hatfield and Eric Avar. Utilizing LeBron’s highly controversial Hummer H2 as a muse, the Nike Air Zoom Generation was created with a mirror heel tab, concealed logos and varied word-marks that acted as a direct homage to the once popular vehicle. In regards to its performance, the Nike Air Zoom Generation\u00a0incorporates full-length zoom, heel stabilizer and inner sock-liner for a great feel on the hardwood.<\/p>\n

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Nike Air Zoom Generation “Wheat”<\/h2>\n

The Nike Air Zoom Generation “Wheat” took direct cues from one of LeBron’s favorite models, the Timberland Boot. Incorporating an entire nubuck sueded upper, the aforementioned model employs a monochromatic vibe as “wheat”<\/em> hues are seen throughout. In addition, gold accents are employed while resting atop\u00a0of a gum outsole.<\/p>\n

According to various reports, LeBron was originally supposed to sport this model during the 2004 Slam Dunk Contest, but instead opted to don the crisp model during the 2004 Got Milk? Rookie Challenge<\/em> game.<\/p>\n

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Legacy of the Nike Air Zoom Generation “Wheat”<\/h2>\n

The legacy of the Nike Air Zoom Generation “Wheat” is rather strong as a myriad of sneaker enthusiasts are vouching for a retro of this colorway\u00a0and the inaugural LeBron James silhouette.\u00a0In addition, the variety of NBA stars and collegiate players rocking this model has boosted the silhouette’s profile as well as we’ve seen the likes of Nick Young and Jamaal Franklin in the model as well.<\/p>\n

For those looking for additional history of the Nike Air Zoom Generation, peep our previous episode of #TBT below:<\/p>\n