Paul George’s comeback story after breaking his leg was solidified during the 2015-16 NBA season, his first full campaign after the gruesome injury. In this season, PG mostly wore the budget-friendly Nike Hyperlive, a team shoe that retailed for $110.
The sneaker goes back to basics with a simple drop-in polyurethane midsole, that was more firm than other cushioning systems at the time like Lunarlon. The low-top has a Hyperfuse material that still offered breathability via perforations, while asymmetrical lacing helped wrap the lateral side of the shoe onto the medial side for added containment.
While Paul George had seen player exclusive Nike colorways in the past, the Nike Hyperlive served as a pre-signature shoe for the All-Star forward. It was back in 2014 that PG had hinted on Twitter that his signature shoe was on the way, and the Hyperlive was the precursor to the PG 1. George seemed to be one of a select few to rock the Hyperlive at the time, and even got a player exclusive colorway for his 2016 All-Star appearance, as seen above.
You can find the Nike Hyperlive at StockX, GOAT andĀ Stadium Goods.