The Nike Air More Uptempo ’96 “30 Years of Uptempo” will release on December 23, 2026. Celebrating the model’s 30th anniversary, this pair honors Scottie Pippen, who helped make the silhouette famous during the Chicago Bulls’ 1996 championship run. The retail price is $180.
Quick Facts
Nike Air More Uptempo ’96 “30 Years of Uptempo”
Color: Black/Sail-Anthracite
Release Date: December 23, 2026
Style Code: IX8627-010
Price: $180
Where to Buy: Nike, Foot Locker, Finish Line, Shiekh
More Info: Nike Release Dates
Nike is giving Pippen some overdue recognition with this special edition. Although the Air More Uptempo was never his official signature shoe, it became one of the sneakers most closely associated with him. He wore the model during the Bulls’ historic 72-10 season and later during the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. Now, 30 years after its debut, Nike is making that connection official through the shoe’s design.
The biggest change to this Nike Air More Uptempo is the oversized lettering across the sides. Instead of the traditional “AIR” branding on both sides, the lateral side features “PIP” in large letters, while “AIR” remains on the medial side. The pair comes dressed in Black, Sail, and Anthracite.
Black covers the leather upper, while Sail accents the large lettering and lace loops. Pippen’s signature logo appears on the heel, and an iridescent anniversary badge is placed on the tongue. The details give the shoe a special-edition treatment without changing its familiar shape.
More Nike Air More Uptempo Releases
Nike Air More Uptempo 30 Years of Uptempo Release Date
The Nike Air More Uptempo ’96 “30 Years of Uptempo” will be released on December 23rd, 2026, at select Nike Sportswear retailers, including Nike, Foot Locker, Finish Line, and Shiekh. The retail price is $180. Below, you can check out more photos for a closer look.
Bottom Line
The “30 Years of Uptempo” is a fitting tribute to Scottie Pippen and one of the most recognizable Nike Basketball models from the 1990s. Replacing the lateral “AIR” branding with “PIP” is a simple change, but it gives the anniversary edition a direct connection to the player who helped make the shoe famous. With its Black leather upper and Sail accents, this pair also keeps things closer to a traditional color scheme rather than going overboard with the celebration.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The Air More Uptempo was not an official signature model. Pippen’s first signature sneaker, the Nike Air Pippen 1, arrived in 1997.
Wilson Smith III designed the Air More Uptempo. He drew inspiration from pop art, graffiti, and oversized objects to create the model’s signature lettering.