words // Brandon Richard
Before there was the Son of Mars, there was the Son of Glove, a modified version of Gary Payton’s Nike Air Zoom Flight ’98.
In simple terms, the Son of Glove was a more affordable takedown version of the model, replacing the spandex-fit shroud with stretchable synthetic leather. Also noticeably absent was the Monkey Paw tech beneath the sleeve, 1.5 Articulation embroidery, Zoom cushioning and outsole design. However, the Son of Glove was still a well-received offering that has developed somewhat of a cult following in the last 15 years.
With Gary Payton officially inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame this past Sunday, today’s Eastbay Memory Lane takes us back to Winter 1998, when the Son of Glove was featured in the catalog in three colorways. The “Pearl” Nike Air Foamposite Pro, Chris Webber’s Air Max Sensation and Alonzo Mourning’s Air Zo Tuff also grace the page.
Good news for fans of Gary Payton and the original Zoom Flight ’98 — the classic is making its return next month.
While you wait, enjoy this throwback page and share any memories you have of these shoes with us below.
The Son of Glove is an all-time favorite of mine. I actually prefer it over the Flight ’98. I had the black/white and white/navy pairs and have a few still today. Would love for a retro, would cop every colorway even if they won’t be even close to their original $75 retail price tag.
One of the cool things about Son of Glove – nobody was at school clowning you because you had Son of Glove and not Zoom Flights. They were just as cool!
I love the gloves as much as the next guy but do you see the price on this foams $99
They actually look cleaner…
The Son Of Gloves Were Some Nice Shoes & That $99.99 Price Tag On Them Foams Look Amazing
Pearl Foams for $100???? I have this eastbay still. Hype Uptempo, Pippen wore those and tons of dudes wore the Operate Uptempo too. I remember my friend having the Carolina Son of Gloves and I wore my Zoom Flights and he was like we have the same shoe! I quickly pointed out the differences, and was like naw son! LOL