Nike Air Zoom Huarache 2K4 to Bring Penny Hardaway’s PE Back Into Play

After over two decades, Penny Hardaway's player-exclusive kicks from his New York Knicks playing days are coming to shelves as one of the most beloved Nike Basketball 2026 releases.

Some vintage basketball shoes get to have their design's silhouette kept relevant. Others bring along the essence of basketball history that never saw the light of the shops. The Nike Air Zoom Huarache 2K4 Penny Hardaway “Knicks” falls to the latter.

It's the original player-exclusive design that Penny Hardaway put to use as he suited up in New York Knicks colors that is about to hit shelves decades later.

These will be available in shops on the 10th of September 2026, combining colors that are unmistakably the New York Knicks with one of the era-specific shoes on the planet of the Nike Basketball line of shoes from the first few years of the 2000s.

From PE to General Release

Penny Hardaway made an appearance for the Knicks from 2004 on, and he was one of the first Nike-sponsored players that got to rock some amazing player-exclusives during that tenure.

One that's made it to retail is the Zoom Huarache 2K4 with all of his Knicks-era details on it.

Knowing the history here makes the Nike Air Zoom Huarache 2K4 “Knicks” that much more than just another city colorway, it’s a slice of Hardaway's history and the opportunity for collectors to get into footwear formerly on player-exclusive rosters; so this 2026 release adds to a long lineage of iconic retro Nike basketball sneakers of the early millennium.

Classic Knicks-Colored Huarache 2K4

The primary base of this sneaker has a Black Nubuck style construction that allows it to retain a classic, wear-in appearance while keeping the Varsity Royal Blue and Safety Orange details stark.

The latter two shades do more than give a bit of contrast: they are a direct connection to the Knicks and their vibrant colors.

But nothing solidifies Penny Hardaway's connection to this shoe more than his trademark “1 Cent” insignia at the rear end.

Design Elements

• Black Nubuck base
• Varsity Royal blue detailing
• Safety orange accents
• Penny Hardaway “1 Cent” heel branding
• Ankle strap construction from a sculpted Huarache 2K4 silhouette
• The Nike Swoosh
• Zoom Air cushioning
• Knicks color blocking

Built With the DNA of Nike Basketball

What separates these from typical performance shoes that eventually went on to retire as retros and player retros is their sheer intent to be high-performing basketball sneakers.

The entire design was constructed with a focus on responsive motion and proper support on the court using a variety of different materials combined, Nike Zoom Air being one of those pieces of technology implemented, with the Huarache 2K4 ankles designed for superb support.

Though in 2026, the performance features on this Nike Air Zoom sneaker might be more of a style cue than a function, they contribute to the essence of the early-2000s hoops aesthetic.

Basketball Court to Street

Though these were undoubtedly high-performance athletic sneakers back then, with time the Huarache 2K4 has made itself at home as part of a wide range of different styles; especially the “Knicks” colorway.

The basic foundation is black with these, an already-safe base to match various types of clothing and accessories with, whereas the colors on the rear and along the sides really create a distinctive look to bring the ensemble together.

You can pair this silhouette and colorway with wide-leg denim, comfortable sweatpants, or cargo pants paired with an oversized tee or hoodies for a casual yet comfortable outfit, proving that even an era-specific hoops shoe will never look out of place with a new generation that grew up wanting these.

Release Details

Nike Air Zoom Huarache 2K4 “Knicks”

Style Code: IV0345-001
Colorway: Black / Varsity Royal / Safety Orange
Price: $200

Release Date: September 10, 2026
Availability: Nike, Select Retailers & Tops & Bottoms 

Secure Your Pair

Combining a mix of Penny Hardaway's footwear lineage, New York Knicks signature colors, and an influential early 2000s Nike Basketball design, the Nike Air Zoom Huarache 2K4 “Knicks” is expected to be among the most coveted retro releases of 2026.

The silhouette will return two decades after its debut as an exclusive player wear to the shelves for general public use, gifting the entire footwear community a piece of Nike Basketball history to add to their rotation of shoes.

To enter for a chance at this legendary pair, be sure to download the Tops & Bottoms mobile app.

You can also enter through topsandbottoms.com to complete your raffle entry, explore upcoming launches, and stay informed on official release updates.