2012 was a year that forever altered the sneaker landscape, and at the heart of it was the arrival of the Nike Air Foamposite One “Galaxy”. Dropped during the NBA All-Star Weekend as part of Nike Basketball’s All-Star “Galaxy Pack”, this wasn’t just another sneaker release—it was a cultural moment.

The “Galaxy” was a cosmic statement, a visual ode to the infinite possibilities of creativity. While the Air Foamposite One had been a staple since its 1997 debut, the “Galaxy” iteration catapulted the model into a new stratosphere of hype.

Its constellation-adorned moulded upper, glow-in-the-dark outsole, “Remove Before Flight” tags, and Penny Hardaway’s iconic 1 Cent logo made it a masterpiece of detail.

Chaos, Resell Madness, and a Car Trade: The Galaxy Frenzy

Image via @dailymail.co.uk

The frenzy it sparked was unprecedented—riots erupted, shopping centers turned into battlegrounds, and stories of a man trading his car for a pair became the stuff of sneaker lore. The hype for the Nike Air Foamposite One “Galaxy” reached such a fever pitch that Nike was forced to cancel its release in select markets due to the very real threat of violence.

Image via @sneakernews

This decision resulted in an even sharper dip in availability, amplifying the exclusivity of what was already an extremely limited release.

So, if you’re wondering why are the Nike Air Foamposite One “Galaxy” so expensive—often soaring to US$1,000 and beyond on the resell market—the above chaos and cultural significance should paint a clear picture.

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In the years following its explosive 2012 release, the Foamposite silhouette may have slightly fallen off the radar, overshadowed by newer trends and models. Yet, true sneakerheads never forgot the “Galaxy”, patiently awaiting its triumphant return.

That anticipation began to materialize in 2023 when Nike brought back the Foamposite, reigniting interest in the iconic design and shedding light on the potential comeback of the legendary “Galaxy” colorway. This move set the stage for what sneakerheads had been dreaming of for over a decade.

Fast forward to 2025, and Nike is reigniting that legendary moment with a re-release of the Air Foamposite One “Galaxy”. It’s not just a comeback; it’s a celebration of a shoe that proved sneakers could be art, history, and obsession all at once. The Galaxy is returning, and the sneaker world is ready to orbit around it once more.

Officially releasing on 21 February via Nike SNKRS, the pair is also set to pre-launch during NBA All-Star 2025 at the Foot Locker All-Star Experience on 15 February.

Nike Air Foamposite One “Galaxy” (2012) vs. (2025): What Are the Differences?

While you gear up for what’s sure to be another historic drop, you may also be wondering if there are any differences between the 2012 and 2025 pairs. The good news is, there are no major changes—Nike has ensured that no detail has been overlooked.

Image via @zSneakerHeadz

The only slight pick? When you place the two versions side by side, you might notice a subtle difference in the shades, likely due to the 13-year gap and potential updates in materials. But in all, rest assured: the constellation graphics, glow-in-the-dark outsoles, “Remove Before Flight” tags, and Penny Hardaway’s iconic 1 Cent logo are all faithfully recreated.

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So, don’t miss out on this chance anymore—you never know when (or if) the next “Galaxy” Foamposites will ever arrive. Lace up and prepare for takeoff. The cosmos is calling. Full release details on the 2025 pair here.

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