Nostalgia is a funny thing. Everyone has something from their past that makes them think about how things used to be, and whatever may trigger that is different for everyone. For some, it’s what used to be on TV. For some, it’s how professional and college sports used to be. For some, it’s a strange fast food item like the McRib. For me (if you’re wondering) it was life as a kid before technology took everything over. Back in the day, we used to go get on our bikes and ride around looking for a pickup basketball game to play. Nowadays, kids get together and sit on their phones without talking. Ain’t that some shit?
Pardon me, I digress. I was just getting nostalgic. It happens. Today we’re discussing a very strange type of nostalgia…the nostalgia that comes along whenever a pair of Jordans release with “Nike Air” on the heel.
In case you haven’t seen/heard, there’s a lot of them releasing this year. Everything from the White Cement IV’s to the Black Metallic V’s will be releasing with the infamous “Nike Air” print on the heel instead of a jumpman, and of course everyone’s going crazy. They’re the “must-have” shoes of 2016.
Now this is a little strange. Sure, there are some old heads who had the original pairs back in the day and want a fresh pair for the nostalgia value. Makes perfect sense. Jordan Brand is capitalizing on nostalgia and a clean retro design like they always do. Nothing wrong with that. What is strange is everyone who wasn’t old enough or bout it bout it (word to Master P) back then clamoring for a pair.
Sure, you want the shoes because they’re dope. But how are you going to say you “need the OG’s” if you weren’t even born or were still in diapers when they dropped? You can’t claim nostalgia for something that you don’t really remember.
If that’s you, you need to admit something to yourself: You want the shoes because they’re dope, and they’re hyped up instead of acting like you need them because “that’s how they used to be and all I wear is OG’s anyway”. And you know what? Admitting that to yourself is perfectly alright. Sneaker companies are great at marketing to people like us. They know what we like. They know how to advertise something as “limited” and “rare” and make us feel like we absolutely, positively need to have whatever sneaker they’re selling.
So when you try to cop (which we hope you can), remember what you’re copping for. And be sure to wear them frequently. A shoe that classic and clean deserves to be in heavy rotation.
Are you old enough to remember when some of this year’s re-releases originally dropped? Do you just think they look dope and want to cop them because of that? What makes you nostalgic? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter, and, as always, be sure to follow us on Instagram for all the fire sneaker pictures you can handle.
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