AND1 is Bringing Back the Original Tai Chi, the Shoe that Captivated a Generation.
Tai Chi 25th Anniversary and Tai Chi “Mixtape” will also debut alongside the original Tai Chi at ComplexCon
New York, NY – Nov. 1, 2018 – For the first time ever, AND1, the premier basketball footwear, apparel and accessories brand, will re-release the original Tai Chi at ComplexCon on November 3 in Long Beach, California. The iconic Tai Chi shoe gained fame and acclaim nearly two decades ago when an NBA All-Star won the 2000 NBA Slam Dunk Contest while unexpectedly wearing the Tai Chi.
“It was the moment when the raw talent and grit of streetball was fused with the prestige and fame of professional basketball,” said John Scipio, AND1 General Manager. “The Tai Chi really captivated a generation and has been our most notable shoe, ever. It’s become an icon in the footwear industry. We feel the time to re-release the shoe is now, and the big stage of ComplexCon is the best place to do it.”
The shoe has become a sought-after collector’s item. The Tai Chi, in its classic red and white asymmetrical colorway, will be exclusively debuted at ComplexCon. The shoe will be in limited supply and will be available for purchase worldwide on AND1.com in December.
Two other all-new Tai Chi variations will be released at ComplexCon: Tai Chi 25th Anniversary and two colors of the Tai Chi “Mixtape”. The Tai Chi 25th Anniversary celebrates the birth of the brand while the graphic Tai Chi "Mixtape" features original Mixtape Tour art from renowned street artist, Gene Pendon.
Requests to bring back the original shoe come in from all around the world, nonstop, and for months social media has been buzzing with rumors of the classic Tai Chi’s re-release. When fans were asked to sound off on whether or not they would buy a pair if re-released, the response was unanimous - yes!
All three AND1 Tai Chi shoes will be available for a hands-on and up-close look at ComplexCon.
The Tai Chi OG shown in the classic red suede side panel and white leather asymmetrical colorway. The shoe’s mesh tongue features the Yin-Yang red and white AND1 logo.
The Tai Chi 25th Anniversary features an all-black asymmetrical colorway with durable leather and suede side panels lightly accented by gold as well as a padded tongue and collar.
The Tai Chi Mixtape shoes come in two different colorways: white and black. Both feature AND1 Mixtape Tour - inspired art graphics created by renowned street artist, Gene Pendon. The white Tai Chi Mixtape shoes feature all-leather materials with a mesh tongue. The black Tai Chi Mixtape art extends to the ankle and features the classic leather and suede side panels with a padded mesh tongue and collar.