The Nike Air Zoom Huarache 2K4 is one of those basketball shoes that immediately takes me back to the early 2000s. I recently stopped by my local Foot Locker and came across the Penny Hardaway-inspired Huarache 2K4, and naturally, I had to take a closer look. This particular colorway pays tribute to Penny Hardaway’s time in New York, dressing the classic 2K4 silhouette in a combination of black, royal blue and orange.
The shoe looks incredible in person, but with a retail price of $190, the real question is simple: Is it worth buying?
A Great-Looking Knicks-Inspired Colorway
The first thing that caught my attention was the color combination. The upper is predominantly black with a nubuck-like finish, while the shoe incorporates blue and orange throughout the Swoosh, toe, heel and midsole. Those colors immediately give the sneaker its New York feel. You also get the familiar Huarache 2K4 ankle construction and strap, which isn’t there strictly for appearance. It helps keep your foot locked into the shoe.
There are also perforations throughout portions of the upper and tongue to provide some ventilation. From a design standpoint, Nike did a great job with this pair. It still looks unmistakably like a Huarache 2K4 while giving Penny fans something a little different.
The Huarache 2K4 Is Still a Great Basketball Shoe
This isn’t just a sneaker that looks good on a shelf. I’ve actually played basketball in the Huarache 2K4 before, and one of the things I’ve always appreciated about the model is the lockdown. Once you lace the shoe and secure the ankle strap, your foot feels well contained. The cushioning is another strong point. Even though this is a design that traces its roots back to 2004, it remains a very capable basketball sneaker.
The shoe also incorporates a supportive shank through the midfoot for additional rigidity and stability, while the outsole provides the traction needed for playing on the court. For a sneaker with such a strong connection to the early 2000s, the 2K4 doesn’t feel like something that should only be worn casually.
How Does the Huarache 2K4 Fit?
I traditionally wear a size 12, but I personally prefer wearing a 12.5 or 13 because I like having some additional wiggle room. If you like a snug basketball fit, your regular size may work. If you’re like me and prefer a little more space around your toes, I would consider going up half a size. Fit preferences are different for everyone, so keep that in mind before ordering.
Is the Penny Hardaway Huarache 2K4 Worth $190?
This is where I have some reservations. The shoe itself is excellent. My problem is the $190 retail price. When the Huarache 2K4 originally released in the 2000s, the price was considerably lower. Obviously, sneaker prices have increased since then, but $190 still feels steep for this particular release. And that’s especially important when you consider what can happen on the secondary market.
I’ve already seen examples of the shoe available below retail, so unless you absolutely have to own them immediately, I would shop around before paying the full $190. That doesn’t mean I don’t like the sneaker. Quite the opposite.
I think it’s a great-looking shoe with excellent lockdown, comfortable cushioning and legitimate basketball performance. I just think the price is the biggest obstacle.
Final Thoughts
The Nike Air Zoom Huarache 2K4 Penny Hardaway combines nostalgia with a sneaker that can still perform on the basketball court. The black upper works perfectly with the Knicks-inspired blue and orange accents, while the ankle strap, cushioning and supportive construction retain much of what made the 2K4 such a memorable basketball shoe in the first place.
For Penny Hardaway fans and people who remember the basketball sneaker scene of the early 2000s, there’s certainly a lot to like here.
Would I buy them? Absolutely—at the right price.
If you’re interested in picking up a pair, I’ll leave my buying link below so you can check the latest available sizes and prices.
You may purchase it for $124 on StockX →
You can also watch my full Nike Air Zoom Huarache 2K4 Penny Hardaway video review for a closer look at the materials, construction, sizing and overall design.
