Nike continues the "20 Designs That Changed the Game" series with the Nike Air Raid.
The Nike Air Raid dropped in 1992 and captured the essence of street hoops. The "X" cross straps were "about strapping up to go into battle, because you’re going to get knocked around the frickin’ cage and you need to strap yourself in,” according to lead designer and sneaker deity Tinker Hatfield— they also provided much needed ankle support. The shoe was built from the ground up with an emphasis on a rugged sole capable of withstanding the concrete jungle. These are definitely sneakers with an attitude.
Check out their first two installments of the series as well.
