The Nike Air Foamposite Pro “Pearl” sneaker, which was famously featured in Spike Lee’s basketball drama “He Got Game,” is making a highly anticipated comeback during the 2025 holiday season. Fans and collectors have been excited for this release, which marks a decade since the last time the shoe was available in stores.
The Air Foamposite Pro “Pearl” first came out in 1997 and quickly became a legend thanks to its cream-white upper that looks just like natural pearls. The sneaker has some bold black accents on the Swoosh, lace collar, and interior, and it’s got a light gum outsole and subtle red highlights on the heel and bottom.
What makes the Pro model different from the Air Foamposite One is a few key design features. What really sets the Pro apart is the prominent Swoosh on the sides and heel, along with a unique outsole traction pattern. While both models use Nike‘s innovative Foamposite technology, the Pro version has its own distinct style without the Penny Hardaway signature.
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The sneaker’s cultural significance really took off when Ray Allen, playing Jesus Shuttlesworth, wore them in “He Got Game.” The film made sure the Pearl had a place in both sneaker and pop culture history, right up there with Denzel Washington’s memorable performance.
Over the years, the “Pearl” has been reissued a few times, with different results each time. The 2002 limited release got a lot of attention, and the 2009 House of Hoops exclusive was really in demand with collectors. However, the 2010 wider release got some flak because the color wasn’t quite right. The upper showed a golden tint instead of the authentic pearl shade.
The upcoming 2025 release, priced at $230, will be available through Nike’s SNKRS app and select retail partners. Sneaker insiders think this version will stay true to the original’s celebrated colorway, addressing previous concerns about color accuracy.
