5 Fun Facts About the Nike Air Max Penny 1

Nike are rumoured to be re-releasing the Air Max Penny 1 in its OG Orlando Magic–inspired colourway some time in 2022. While other colourways of the Anfernee ‘Penny’ Hardaway signature sneaker have entered the fold throughout the 2010s, the debut palette hasn’t been back since 2011. And with a new generation of sneakerheads who may be encountering this classic 90s basketball shoe for the first time, now’s a better opportunity than ever to share some thoughts about this Penny.

‘Tell him Lil’ Penny from the science class says hello!’

Print ads weren’t the only medium that Nike used to market the Air Max Penny 1. As the leaders of memorable television commercials, the Swoosh (well, Stacy Wall of Nike’s long-time ad agency Wieden+Kennedy) conceived the small-statured but larger than life Lil’ Penny character, voiced by Chris Rock. From ’95 to ’97, Lil’ Penny was the main man in hilarious spots that turned big Penny into a household name with the shoes to have – all while trying to woo Tyra Banks. Extra fun fact: long before Jamie Hyneman was hosting Mythbusters, he was an SFX expert making the Lil’ Penny puppet move!