"Oh my God, look at this detail! The championship years '1998 & 1999' are embroidered on the inside of the tongue!" A young man in a retro Knicks jersey excitedly pointed at the sample in the display case and shouted to his companion.
"That's sick! I heard the 'Champion Gold' colorway launching first this time is limited edition, only available at flagship stores and a handful of top-tier retailers!" His companion pulled out his phone and frantically took pictures of the sneakers.
Surrounding the central display were sections divided by product line.
The "Fei" series section was undoubtedly the most popular. Reissues from the first generation through the fourth were neatly arranged along the walls, each generation representing a glorious milestone in Li Fei's career. Countless fans stopped to admire them, as though visiting a shrine to basketball.
Right beside it was Kobe's "Mamba" series.
The first-generation "Black Mamba" shoes, with their clean, sharp design and extreme lightweight construction, were beloved by speed-oriented guards. Their sales ranked second only to Li Fei's main signature line, making them one of the brand's most successful sub-lines.
Many teenagers regarded Kobe as their idol. Wearing Mamba shoes, they imitated Kobe's graceful fadeaway jumpers on the court.
On the other side, the "Answer" series drew a completely different crowd of young people.
Iverson's cornrows, baggy clothes, and unruly attitude had made him a symbol of street culture.
The design of The Answer I was equally full of rebellion—rugged lines and an eye-catching personal logo perfectly suited the tastes of young people who pursued individuality and refused to follow the rules.
In the farthest corner, the "Flying Pig" series seemed somewhat out of place.
Barkley's somewhat bulky signature shoes were now bought mostly by heavier interior players and sneaker fans chasing retro trends.
Yet