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via Imago

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Michael Jordan is a trailblazer in the ?footwear? industry. His iconic shoe deal with ?Nike? in 1984 revolutionized the entire sports market. Today, top professional sports athletes get paid generously by companies like ?Nike?, and ‘Adidas’ among others.

In a recent social media post, a media personality and ex-employee of a $158 Billion Company makes a shocking revelation.?

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Hidden Origin story of Jordan?s Rival?s signature line

In a recent ?X? post, Nick DePaula, who is the ex-employee of Nike, unveils the unknown story of Charles Barkley?s ?Air Super CB? shoe line. He says in the ?X? post, ?Former Nike designer Aaron Cooper reveals that his ?Air Super CB? shoe for Charles Barkley was actually originally created in Spring 1996 for Chris Webber. CWebb?s Nike contract expired & the shoe was shifted to a Barkley signature.?.

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Released in 1997, the ?Air Super CB? initially drew a lot of criticism for not being original with their ?player-specific? designs. However, in 2023 the ?Air Super CB? is growing in popularity with its resale value constantly increasing.

This wasn?t Charles Barkley?s first ?signature shoe? though. His first ?signature shoe? was the ?Nike Air Force Max?. Despite not having his initials ?CB? on it, the iconic shoe is synonymous with Charles Barkley. Considering Barkley?s 6?6 and 260 pounds stature, his kicks have to be built around his tough and forceful playing style.?

 

The pretty? ?Nike Air Force Max? did just that but it was only second to Barkley?s iconic ?signature shoe? called ?Air Force Max CB?.

Charles Barkley?s ?Air Force Max CB?

Blessed with his own ?signature shoe? in 1997, the ?Air Force Max CB? was a super heavy shoe built like a tank just like Charles Barkley. It also featured a 180-degree Max Air cushioning at the heel for impact protection. The shoes quickly became ?cool? as they caught the viewers? attention in some classic TV commercials back in the day. The following season, despite having a great season individually, Charles Barkley?s Phoenix Suns did not make the playoffs yet again.?

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However, the ?Nike Air Max 2 CB? came out that year. Every feature on this shoe seemed to be engineered to take an absolute thrashing. Promoted by innovative TV commercials, the ?Nike Air Max 2 CB? rose to popularity quickly. The ?Nike Air CB 34 ? was then released and quickly after, the ?Nike Air CB 34 II? was released in 1995.

The Nike Air Super CB was released in 1997 and is considered to be one of Barkley?s most underrated kicks. Nike and Charles Barkley saved the best for last with the ?Nike Air CB4 II?. They were sleek and underrated, and perhaps the best for Charles Barkley who was a ‘beast’ on the court.

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What are your thoughts on Nick DePaula?s revelation in his ?X? post? Let us know in the comments below!

 

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