Hall of Fame Induction, NBA 2K25 cover, and now the return of the AND1 Tai Chi Dunk Contest — 2024 has been a big year for Vince Carter. For those unaware, even before the 8x All-Star signed with Nike, he was all laced up in And1. In fact, when he won his 2000 NBA Slam Dunk contest, he was donning the white and red ‘Tai Chi’ colorway sneakers by the brand – iconic enough, they make a return as Carter walks towards ultimate honor.

“it was almost like the dunks that he had done were tailor-made for the color-blocking of the shoe,” Ryan Drew, former VP of footwear at AND1 had said. Carter had just pulled off the historical 360-degree, windmill jam to claim his victory at the Slam Dunk Contest that year and the shoes, with their red and white colorway, held the attention as the shooting guard passed the ball between his legs, aligning the shoes with the ball, to deliver the best of NBA images.

“Then, every single image for the next three or four months that was NBA related was him in the Dunk Contest with our shoe on,” Drew proudly boosted. So even after incurring some massive shifts, including the brand’s acquisition and selling for $55 million all within a year in the early 2010s, AND1 did not deter from re-releasing the  ‘Tai Chi Dunk Contest’ edition multiple times.

Released earlier this month itself, the shoes are available for purchase on AND1.com for a retail price of $130.

The red and white ‘Tai Chi’ colorway sneakers from Vince Carter’s 2000 slam dunk contest

Unique split-color, yin and yang design — yes, that’s what AND1’s Tai Chi sneakers were mostly about. Crafted with a blend of leather and suede, this sneaker had become an instant classic. And although hardcore sneaker-heads would remember multiple other colorways over the past two decades. There is no denying that the original white and red pair, popularized by Carter, remains the most sought after.

As per an article by Sole Retriever, not only is And1 coming back with the shoes, but staying true to the original, featuring a cut-and-sew, white-based leather upper with striking red nubuck accents. For those who are not already aware of what the sneakers have to offer, the shoes include split-colored laces crossed over a mesh tongue, topped with a leather patch.

Apart from this, adding a pop of color is more red highlights on the collar and liner. Some other key highlights include a phylon EVA midsole and injection-molded bottom-loaded shank to provide stability. All resting on a full-length rubber outsole with herringbone traction.

No wonder that Vince Carter had once donned the sneakers for such a major event. And it’s only a metaphorical beauty of circumstances that the sneakers got re-released ahead of another major event in his life — Hall of Fame enshrinement on October 12-13.

Stay tuned for more such updates. And join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.