Nike Brings Back the Air Zoom Huarache 2K4 in a Classic "Knicks" Colorway
Originally believed to be a direct retro of Penny Hardaway’s 2004 Player Exclusive, a first look reveals the upcoming release will take a more general team-inspired approach.
Name: Nike Air Zoom Huarache 2K4 “Knicks”
Colorway: Black/Varsity Royal-Safety Orange
SKU: IV0345-001
Retail Price: $210 USD
Release Date: Fall 2026
Where to Buy: Nike
Nike Basketball is diving deep into its early-2000s archives, treating fans to the return of one of the era’s most iconic silhouettes. The Nike Air Zoom Huarache 2K4 is officially making a comeback, arriving in a bold “Knicks” colorway that instantly transports hoop fans back to 2004. While early rumors suggested the release would be a highly coveted one-to-one retro of Penny Hardaway’s New York Player Exclusive (PE), new first looks reveal that the Swoosh is taking a slightly different route for the retail drop.
When reports of the release first surfaced, long-time collectors were thrilled at the prospect of finally getting their hands on the PE Penny Hardaway laced up during his brief stint in Madison Square Garden. However, according to an update from Sneaker Bar Detroit, newly leaked images show that the upcoming pair lacks the signature 1 Cent branding on the heel. Instead of a direct PE retro, the design leans fully into a general, team-inspired theme.
Even without the Penny logo, the sneaker is a masterclass in early-2000s basketball nostalgia. The upper utilizes a heavy-hitting combination of Black, Varsity Royal, and Safety Orange to perfectly encapsulate the New York heritage look. The Huarache 2K4 remains celebrated for its elite on-court performance and forward-thinking design, boasting a slick upper, a heavily sculpted ankle collar, and responsive Zoom Air cushioning that bridged the aesthetic gap between the Kobe Bryant and Penny Hardaway eras.
The decision to omit the PE branding might disappoint a few die-hard Penny collectors, but the flawless colorblocking and the sheer significance of the 2K4’s return are more than enough to keep excitement high. The silhouette stands as a vital piece of Nike Basketball history, and its reintroduction is poised to be a major moment for sneakerheads who remember its original on-court dominance.
The Nike Air Zoom Huarache 2K4 “Knicks” is expected to arrive sometime during the Summer/Fall 2026 season.
