Nike’s ahead-of-its-time Air Foamposite One sneaker is set to release soon in a color scheme that may at first seem familiar, but a closer look reveals a few key differences between the original Dark Neon Royal variation and the upcoming Deep Royal release.
From a glance, the two may appear identical, but the new Deep Royal iteration is unique in that it offers a toned-down finish across the molded polyurethane Foamposite upper. Traditionally featuring a shiny, candy apple-like sheen, this new Deep Royal Air Foamposite One opts for a more muted matte appearance. While it doesn’t provide the same near-metallic aesthetic of Penny Hardaway’s original pair, the more conservative coating is a low-key option for those who want a similar look without all of the flash.
Related Stories
Other changes throughout the sneaker are minute; the white borders of the heel, toe and outsole branding are absent, but other original-styled details such as the nubuck eyestay and icy translucent outsole keep the pair accurately rooted in the Foamposite’s legacy.
You May Also Like
Originally released in 1997 as a performance basketball sneaker and made famous primarily by Hardaway, Nike’s Air Foamposite One turned into a lifestyle favorite soon after its release and has trended in various capacities in the decades since.
Beloved by fans for its durable shell upper, eye-catching colorways and futuristic design, the model has had a big year in 2025 which saw the return of 2012’s Galaxy colorway, a new Psychic Blue look and most recently, a Triple White style. Still to come in ’25 is the return of the Cough Drop colorway as well as the Air Foamposite Pro’s Pearl and Pine Green makeups.
It remains to be seen how this upcoming Deep Royal style will perform due to its close resemblance to the aforementioned Dark Neon Royal Air Foamposite One. With a style code of HJ5195-400, readers can expect the Nike Air Fooamposite One Deep Royal to be released on Sept. 12 for a retail price of $240 from nike.com and select Nike Sportswear retailers.