At some point or another, most basketball sneakers that begin life as high-tops eventually go through a transformation — reimagined as low-top models better suited for casual, off-court wear. Sometimes it’s a quick, strategic move. Other times, like in the case of the Air More Uptempo, it’s an afterthought that takes nearly 30 years to happen.
Last year, Nike finally introduced a low-top variation of one of its boldest and most recognizable silhouettes from the ’90s, and its push on the market continues in 2025 with a Black/Gum makeup that may just be the nicest release we’ve seen yet. It features an all-black upper, constructed with the familiar mix of suede and mesh seen on previous pairs, but with an added twist of 3M reflective detailing beneath the perforations throughout the upper. A gum sole grounds the look, paired with a clear, colorless Air unit. It’s a stealthy execution that keeps the tone low but packs just the right amount of flavor to make it a head turner.
The Air More Uptempo Black/Gum is up for grabs now through Nike.com for $160.
