One of the most coveted player exclusives in Nike Basketball history is finally making its way to retail.
Nike has officially unveiled Penny Hardaway’s “Knicks” Air Zoom Huarache 2K4 PE, a sneaker that has long been regarded as a grail among basketball sneaker enthusiasts. After spending more than two decades as an unattainable player-exclusive realm, the shoe is scheduled to release on September 11 for a retail price of $200.
Originally worn by Hardaway during his tenure with the New York Knicks, the sneaker combines the performance-driven design of the Air Zoom Huarache 2K4 with the franchise’s unmistakable blue and orange color palette. The result is one of the most memorable PE colorways of the early 2000s.
The upper is dressed primarily in black nubuck and synthetic materials, creating a sleek foundation for the vibrant Knicks-inspired accents. Royal blue detailing appears on the midsole, heel support structure, and branding elements, while orange hits provide contrast throughout the design. Penny’s signature One Cent logo is featured on the heel, serving as a reminder of the Hall of Fame guard’s lasting impact on both basketball and sneaker culture.
First introduced in 2004, the Air Zoom Huarache 2K4 quickly became one of Nike Basketball’s premier performance models. The silhouette earned widespread acclaim for its lightweight construction, responsive Zoom Air cushioning, and lockdown support system. Over the years, numerous NBA stars laced up the model, but few colorways generated as much intrigue as Hardaway’s exclusive Knicks edition.
As Nike continues to mine its archives for beloved basketball retros, the release of the “Knicks” PE represents another significant moment for collectors and longtime fans of the brand’s golden era of basketball footwear. For many sneaker enthusiasts, this marks the first realistic opportunity to own a shoe that previously existed only in photographs and on the feet of one of the game’s most beloved players.
The “Knicks” Nike Air Zoom Huarache 2K4 PE is expected to release on September 11 through Nike and select retailers for $200.
Nike Air Zoom Huarache 2K4
Black/Varsity Royal-Safety Orange
IV0345-001
$200
images via Sneaker Market RO
