Dennis Rodman's Nike Air Worm Sneakers Rumored to Return

The Nike Air Worm NDestrukt is rumored to return with a new twist.

Dennis Rodman's Nike sneakers are rumored to return with a twist. | IMAGO / Icon Sportswire

The dynastic Chicago Bulls teams of the 1990s defined an era in basketball and footwear. Of course, Michael Jordan led the way in both categories. However, Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman both had outsized impacts on the sneaker industry.

Rodman was a lightning bolt for attention and controversy during his playing career, which extended to his signature basketball shoes. One of his most polarizing models, the Nike Air Worm NDestrukt, is rumored to return with a new twist.

Nike Air Worm NDestrukt

Nike designer Frank Cooke teased a potential release with new changes on Instagram. Cooke shared pictures of the original shoe from 1996 with the caption, "twist."

Nike has not yet made any official announcement. However, many fans and footwear websites speculate that the old-school basketball shoes could be returning, though without the iconic "Air Worm" branding on the heels.

Rodman's Controversial Nike Sneakers

The Nike Air Worm NDestrukt was the most polarizing model in Rodman's sneaker catalog, as he was not involved in the design process and was not a fan of the shoe. The shoes launched in the Summer of 1996; Rodman left for Converse in January of 1997.⁠ Nike eventually pulled the shoes from the shelves.

Rodman and Nike have had an acrimonious relationship over the years, with the Basketball Hall of Famer taking exception to Travis Scott borrowing the idea of Rodman's backward Swoosh logo for his sneakers. However, they appear to be on good terms, as Rodman starred in a commercial for Scott's Air Jordan 1 Low collaboration last winter.

Nike Air Worm History

The Nike Air Worm NDestrukt was just as bold as Rodman's ever-changing hair colors. It featured a low-top design, which was years ahead of its time. A metal-shrouded zipper covered the laces, while a visible encapsulated Air unit sat inside the aggressive rubber outsole.

The black, white, and red colorway was a nod to the Bulls. Lastly, Nike Swooshes and cartoonish "Air Worm" branding completed the look. Sadly, Rodman was not a fan of the infamous kicks. Perhaps enough time has passed that Rodman and fans will be willing to finally engage with these historic kicks.

Rodman's Sneaker Legacy

What is left to be said of Rodman? An iconoclastic figure who cannot be defined or figured out. That elusive personality, combined with incredible production on the court, will always make him appealing to sneakerheads.

Whether bringing back his Nike or Converse shoes, fans just want to celebrate "The Worm." This will be a story worth following into 2027. Stay locked into Sports Illustrated's Kicks On SI for all your footwear news from the NBA and beyond.