The Nike Air Hawk Flight was originally released in 1997 and gained popularity through Hall of Fame Point Guard Gary Payton. Payton was known for wearing the slickest Nikes, including the Air Maestro, Air Thrill Flight and the Air Uptempos. He wore the Air Hawk during the 96-97 season before switching to his most iconic shoe, the Zoom Flight '98. 

In 1998, the shoe solidified it's status as a cult classic featuring in Spike Lee's He Got Game. The shoe was worn by the NBA's Ray Allen starring as Jesus Shuttlesworth opposite Denzel Washington.

Photo Sources: Eastbay and Buena Vista Pictures