Jarrod Saunders
In 1990, the television landscape was forever “flipped-turned upside down” by the premiere of a sitcom that would become a cultural phenomenon: The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
When you dig into Will Smith’s kick game on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, you’re looking at more than just a dope sneaker rotation; you're looking at 90s culture.
In a two-episode saga, dual-sport god Bo Jackson shares the limelight with Smith. And what’s on Smith’s feet? The Nike Air Trainer SC in royal white and silver.
In a rare twist, Nike's Air 180 Pump High appeared to take a leaf from their rivals’ book, mirroring the Reebok Pumps’ design that dominated the late ’80s.
The Fresh Prince channelled his best Jordan vibe, a black backwards cap with red stripes, and, most fittingly, the “Infrared” Air Jordan 6s.
The “Hare” Jordan 7s enjoyed the limelight in several episodes of the third season, but they weren’t the only AJ 7s to get screen time. The “Cardinals” colourway also had its time to shine.
Will’s flamboyant fashion choices were always a sight to behold. In one episode, he dons a T-shirt in a riot of colours which he teams impeccably with a pair of Nike ACG Baltoro boots.
While the Air Jordan 5 gets all the hype in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air sneaker folklore, let’s not sleep on Will’s penchant for the Nike Air Force High 93 sneakers.
Remember when Uncle Phil took Will and Carlton to court for hosting an excessively loud barbecue? That’s when these Nike Air Sheer Force Mid sneaks made their only appearance.
Michael Jordan may have never showcased the OG Air Jordan 9s on the hardwood, but Smith made sure they got their 15 minutes.
Will Smith paid homage to former Philly star and the league’s reigning MVP at the time with a powerful Barkley signature model – Nike Air Max CB 94 “Black/White/Purple.
As the show hit the airwaves, these iconic trainers (the Nike Air Max 2 Uptempo) had just been released – a testament to the Prince’s potential inside links at Beaverton.
When Will and Carlton find themselves marooned in Sin City, Smith breaks out the Air Speed Turf Max for a high-stakes dance-off.
Among the list of iconic trainers worn in The Fresh Prince of Bel Air series finale, Hardaway’s debut signature shoe (Nike Air Max Penny 1) from 1995 truly shines.