The sneaker A.I. first wore in his 2000-01 NBA MVP year with the 76ers returns for a 20th anniversary.
One of Allen Iverson’s most popular signature shoes — the pair he was wearing as he infamously stepped over Tyronn Lue after crossing him to the floor in Game 1 of the 2001 NBA Finals — is returning to stores in honor of its 20th anniversary.
Or, rather, its “Answer-versary.”
The sneakers first dropped for Iverson’s 2000-01 MVP season with the Philadelphia 76ers and became well-known for their unique zippered design. The Answer IV “OG” is slated to return on April 15th at Reebok.com, Finish Line, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Foot Locker, Champs Sports, and JD Sports.
And as a special bonus for those involved in the hobby, Reebok is also releasing limited-edition Answer-Versary trading cards in a numbered series of 199.
The trading cards, designed by artist Peter Richter, will include at least three editions autographed by Iverson himself.
“Answer IV is the crown jewel of Iverson’s journey and the cultural shift he helped to lead,” said longtime Reebok shoe designer Xavier Jones. “Answer IV became a symbol for the new era of modern athlete, and a celebration of self-expression. It is without a doubt one of the most iconic sneakers to ever grace the hardwood.”
In his 2000-01 campaign, “Bubba Chuck” averaged 31.1 points, 4.6 assists, and 3.8 rebounds per game, blowing away the rest of the MVP field. Playing 42 minutes per contest in the regular season and an incredible 46 in the playoffs, he propelled the Sixers to 56 wins and an Eastern Conference championship before falling to the Lakers in the NBA Finals in five games.
The flashy shoes, along with Iverson’s personality and dominance on the court, helped the Georgetown product ascend to icon status. The outsole of the shoe includes a written tagline, “Only The Strong Survive,” with 3M reflective details adorning the tongue and quarter panels.
Two decades after he won an MVP award and carried his team all the way to the NBA Finals, one of the sports world’s utterly unique, influential figures still resonates. It’s only fitting that his inimitable Answer IVs have staying power to match.
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