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

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Nov 01, 2018, 09:11 ET

NEW YORK, Nov. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- For the first time ever, AND1, a 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.

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. (PRNewsfoto/Etched Communication)

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 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. (PRNewsfoto/Etched Communication)

"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!

"With outta doubt," one Twitter user wrote. "Mr. Vince Carter rocked those in arguably the best individual dunk contest performance EVER."

All three AND1 Tai Chi shoes will be available for a hands-on and up-close look at CompelxCon.

About AND1
AND1 is a premier basketball footwear and apparel brand that has remained synonymous with the game of basketball and its streetball lifestyle for nearly 25 years. AND1's footwear, apparel and accessories can be found at select retailers around the world. For more information, visit www.and1.com.

About Sequential Brands Group
Sequential Brands Group, Inc. (Nasdaq:SQBG) owns, promotes, markets, and licenses a portfolio of consumer brands in the active, home and fashion categories, including the AND1 brand. Sequential seeks to ensure that its brands continue to thrive and grow by employing strong brand management, design, and marketing teams. Sequential has licensed and intends to license its brands in a variety of consumer categories to retailers, wholesalers, and distributors in the United States and around the world.

SOURCE AND1