The classic, and I mean classic, Air Jordan I is set to go on sale in select Jordan Brand retailers once again come December 31st. Even to the casual sneaker fan, the Air Jordan I is one of those shoes that you instantly recognize. So you can't go wrong with a purchase to ring in the new year if you don't yet have a pair.
The latest classic from the Jordan Brand is the original Chicago Bulls-inspired Air Jordan I, with a few alterations. The Air Jordan 1 Hi Retro returns with a full leather build, and replaces the classic Nike branding for Jumpman logos on both the tongue and heel.
Yesterday, the Jordan Brand shook up the sneaker world with the announcement of the latest in their signature Air Jordan series - the XX8.
How? By releasing a show that's a whopping 8 inches tall - a brand new innovation for the brand that likens the shoe more to a combat boot than a basketball shoe.
The theme of the shoe centers around "stealth" and when zipped up, the all-black exterior is the highest cut of all basketball shoes. However, when unzipped, we see a more traditional basketball shoe and a bright neon tongue.
The shoe will be available in Houston for the All-Star Game on February 15th and nationally on February 16th. Russell Westbrook was the first NBA player to rock the XX8s in a game tonight against the Brooklyn Nets, as you'll notice those photos in the slideshow above (additional photos from Jordan & SI).
At just 13.5 ounces, the XX8 is being promoted as the lightest and most responsive Air Jordan model to date. When Tinker Hatfield, who has led the design of each Jordan Brand signature shoe since 1988, Jordan Brand product developer Josh Heard and their team began designing the Jordan XX8 sneaker about two years ago, they emailed Michael Jordan and asked him what his definition of “stealth” was. Jordan replied with a text message, and perhaps the best Jordan quote of all time:
“Stealth is like a black cat,” Jordan wrote, according to Hatfield. “You never hear it coming, but it’s deadly as hell. It’s an automatic aircraft. You can’t f*** with an automatic aircraft. It’s like my game. When you see it, it’s too f****** late.”
OK, so what do you think? My first impression was wholly negative, but upon closer inspection, I have grown to be lukewarm. And first and foremost, I admire Jordan and Hatfield for executing a whole fresh and new idea while I'm also very much behind the "stealth" theme.
Like it, rate it, drop a comment with your thoughts!
Dirty! Here's a look at the upcoming Jordan Spizike "Toro." An October 20th release sporting a red suede and cement print, with grey and black accents around. A definite must cop for any fan of the Jordan brand. Be sure to let us know how you're feelin these.
Towards every end of each year, the Jordan brand releases one retro out of the collection as a "Doernbecher" limited. Last year we saw the Jordan 4's get the Doernbecher treatment, which sported a black and electric green colorway, with the Superman logo on the tongue. This year's Doernbecher release was rumored to be the Retro 5's with cement print covering the shoe. Thanks to The Closet Collectors though the rumors have been shut down, and we can now expect to see the retro 9 as this years Doernbecher release. More info to come soon. So keep it locked.
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Dream Team and Michael Jordan's participation on the greatest team ever, Jordan Brand is dropping the Jordan "Golden Moments" Pack, featuring the respective black/metallic and white/metallic colorways seen above. Watch out for these in a couple weeks on August 18th and get a cool $350 handy. Fresh!
Official word from Jordan Brand reveals these Air Jordan 7 "Raptors" Retros, which will be available September 1st for $160. This coincides with the Raptors recent signing of ex-Bull John Lucas III. I smell conspiracy...
