( 
)
Building the Ultimate Nike Collection
Since I was young, I've always had an affinity for sneakers - and, other than a pair of Reebok Pumps, Nike was my sneaker of choice. Years later, I am still a Nike buff. From basketball to running - to Air Jodans to Air Maxs, Nike has always made the greatest sneakers. More than fit and aesthetics, Nike has also become a staple of cultural iconography. Whether through advertising, music or sports, Nike has cultured a dedicated and growing audience of what I call "sneaker freaks" or "shoeheads."
Whether you already have a Nike collection or you're just looking for a fresh pair of sneakers - eBay is a great place to begin. eBay enables shoeheads to buy, sell and resell sneakers that are virtually unfindable anywhere else. eBay has makes it easy to find retro Nikes and vintage styles. Below are some of my favorites, ranked in order... enjoy looking:
#1: Nike Air Max '95
Nike Air Max 95Best. Nikes. Ever.
The Nike Air Max '95 are classics - marked by numerous male and female colorways. Air Max '95s provide excellent cushion and support - though, in my opinion, they are better served for style than working out. With the right colorway, Air Max '95s look great at the gym or with jeans / khakis.
#2: Nike Air Jordan XI
Nike Air Jordan XIBest. Jordans. Ever.
Released in 1995, the Nike Air Jordan XI arrived in time for Michael Jordan's NBA comeback and simultaneously saved a declining brand - the most recent Air Jordan's had taken a rather drastic decline in style and quality. The Jordan XI is a high-quality basketball sneaker that performs sharply on and off the court. Personally, my preference is for any of the colorways that include black. Of course, the black and red colorway was featured in Space Jam.
#3: Nike Air Jordan XII
Nike Air Jordan XIIThe two best years of the Air Jordan collection - the XI and the XII are the greatest sneakers within the larger brand. The Nike Air Jordan XII has a completely different style than the XI. The XII was launched in the 1996 / 1997 season - the same year that Jordan's bulls beat the Utah Jazz in the NBA playoffs (remember Jordan's classic flu game?). These are also the first Air Jordans to use Zoom Air. The original colorway was Chicago Bull Black & Red - though my preference is the white and Carolina Blue version later worn by Carmelo Anthony.
#4: Nike Free 5.0 and Nike Free 5.0 Trainer
Nike Free 5.0At first I thought these were supremely goofy - a shoe that simulates barefoot running and can fold within itself? Bizarre. But I was training for a triathlon and was in the market for a pair of race shoes... so I figured it was at least worth a try. I tried on the Nike Free 5.0 and the Free 5.0 Trainer - opting for the trainer because it provided my foot slightly better support. I've fallen in love with the trainers and have a hard time taking them off... they're far too comfortable. I've since run a 5k race in the Free 5.0 Trainers and they performed beautifully.
#5: Nike Air Max '97
Nike Air Max 97reat sneakers - completely different than anything else produced in the Air Max brand. They are low-tops and feature an air bubble across almost the entire base of the shoe. The original colorway - and still the classic color - was Silver, White and Red. My personal favorite though is the Black / Metallic Silver / Pimento version.
#6: Nike Shox NZ
Nike Shox NZThe Nike Shox NZ is a seemingly simple pair of Shox built for runners and gym rats. That said, the Shox NZ look great with shorts or jeans. However they are worn though, these are some of the most comfortable Nikes available - excellent cushion, support, mobility and still extremely lightweight.
#7: Nike Air Force 1 (AF1)
Nike Air Force 1Truly the classic sneaker. While the technology is stale and shoes don't provide the best support or comfort - the Air Force 1s were built for fashion. They are available in almost any colorway and go with any outfit. You've heard the songs and the rappers - there isnt a more customizable or classic pair of Nikes.
#8: Nike 2K5
Nike 2K5For the Nike Limited 2K5, comfort and lightweight are the key. These are the modern version of the old Air Huaraches... but now, instead of having Christian Laettner as the spokesman, Kobe Bryant is the face of this shoe. These shoes are made for to be played by any guard or slashing type athlete. There are many great colorways, but my favorites are in the famous Lakers Purple and Gold.
Other classic Nikes:
Guide created: 09/22/05 (updated 06/30/08)
Thank you for voting. If your vote meets our 
