Before the world became accustomed to sneaker nicknames, Jordan footwear was first qualified by one question: Did Michael Jordan wear them? What he wore the previous night became iconic and what he wore next became aspirational. Colorway descriptions, whether nicknamed by Tinker Hatfield or simply rooted in the actual color identification, are now the currency of sneaker culture and synonymous with Jordan’s greatness.
For the next season, Jordan Brand reimagines, recreates and reintroduces the Air Jordan 1, 2, 8, 11 and 13. Each was originally introduced as an on-court silhouette but soon took on a life off the court.
The below shoes honor Michael Jordan’s iconic style, as well as how each has been adopted in fashion.
Air Jordan 1 High OG Essential
While its successor, the Air Jordan 2, was intentionally designed as a premium luxury sneaker, the Air Jordan 1 was created with pure basketball ambitions. Of course, it would quickly become more than just a basketball sneaker, eventually celebrated for its premium leather. Now, the Air Jordan 1 elevates its acclaimed quality with the same approach taken on the intentionally luxurious Air Jordan 2.
Air Jordan 2 Decon
Air Jordan 2 Decon “Sail” – Release Date: 15 July 2017
Air Jordan 2 Decon “Thunder Blue” – Release Date: 15 July 2017
Air Jordan 2 Decon “Triple Black” – Release Date: 15 July 2017
The Air Jordan II strips down but stays true to its roots as the original luxury sneaker. While this deconstructed version sheds the exotic leather that made it so polarizing in 1986, it replaces it with a rich suede for a lighter but equally luxurious look and feel.
The Air Jordan 8 gets Inspired by Classic Air Jordan Colorways
Air Jordan 8 “Bred” – Release Date: 16 September 2017
Air Jordan 8 “Cool Grey” – Release Date: 26 August 2017
While the Air Jordan VIII has its own iconic colorways, this season, it gets reimagined with colorways more typically associated with two classics from other silhouettes in the Jordan line: Cement and Cool Grey.
Air Jordan 11 Low IE “Fire Red”
While most iconic colorways are tied to slam dunks, last shots and championship celebrations, others have gained a unique fandom because Michal Jordan didn’t play in them. One such pair is the Fire Red Air Jordan XI IE Low sample that he was photographed in during the 1996 season. A true player edition, this colorway previously had only one owner. Now it releases to the public for the first time.
Air Jordan 13 “History of Flight”
Release Date: 22 July 2017
When the Air Jordan History of Flight collection was unveiled in 2009, each sneaker celebrating the line’s 25th anniversary instantly became one of the rarest pairs of all-time. With a dominant white colorway with red details and black laces, it didn’t take much to imagine Michael Jordan playing in them in Chicago. From the display at the World Basketball Festival in Chicago to different Nike retail locations, the collection drew crowds even if the selection wasn’t available for retail. For nearly a decade, these remained behind a display glass, but now the brand releases the XIII version on its 20th anniversary.
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