The AND1 “Tai Chi” Returns Just In Time For Back-To-School
Written by djfrosty on September 3, 2024
Source: Jed Jacobsohn / Getty
As many sneakers are available these days, Nike, adidas, New Balance and even Asics are running the street scene, but can AND1 make the comeback that no one saw coming in 2024?
We’re not sure if that’s a viable goal for the brand that never really caught on in popularity, but that’s not keeping them from bringing back a “classic.” Sneaker News is reporting that AND1 plans on retroing their white and red “Tai Chi” colorway that Vince Carter wore when he won the NBA Slam Dunk contest in 2000. While that feat didn’t exactly put AND1 on the map, it was still a memorable moment for the company as they were just beginning to find their footing in the sneaker game at the time.
Now, 24 years later, AND1 feels it’s time to take everyone back and have re-released the “classic” silhouette right on time for the back-to-school shopping spree that parents are currently undertaking as their kids head back to the classroom in the finest attire they can afford.
Per Sneaker News:
The AND1 Tai Chi‘s time in the limelight was entirely by chance; just months prior, Vince negged his deal with PUMA before eventually signing with Nike to become the face of the Shox franchise. During that period of shoe purgatory, Vince rocked the Tai Chi from the upstart AND1 brand, a label that grew from indie movement to perhaps the most popular basketball imprint at the time. You can read the full story about Vince’s movements in the shoe industry here
The Tai Chi’s Vince Carter era may have been short-lived, but it’s unquestionably one of the most significant basketball shoes in history. Remembered for its bold two-toned color-blocking, the Tai Chi was worn by the likes of Stephon Marbury, Kevin Garnett, Jason Williams, and more compelling hoopers of the late 1990s/early 2000s.
We’re not gonna lie, if people don’t know the history of this sneaker, anyone rocking them out in the wild might get clowned. We all know kids are ruthless in the social media era. Just sayin’.
The AND1 Tai Chi’s are currently available on the AND1 website for a cool $130. Check out pics of the OG kicks below, and let us know if you’ll be picking up a pair for nostalgia sake in the comments section.