Nike Takes Flight With New Air Jordan XXXIX Sneakers
Drawing inspiration from Michael Jordan’s legendary cross-step move.
Air Jordan sneakers have plenty of pedigree and heritage all their own, and when that meets Nike’s legendary penchant for performance, the results are as smooth and stylish as Michael Jordan’s famed cross-step. At least, that’s the inspiration behind the new Air Jordan XXXIX line, boasting new and improved basketball technology.
With recent collections, Nike has gone retro with its Air Jordan Holiday 2023 offerings, not to mention ultra-luxurious with special-edition releases like the Jordan Brand Wings Collection. Yet, the new lineup of Air Jordan XXXIX kicks takes aim at on-court performance specifically, with a laundry list of features that would make No. 23 himself proud (not to mention even more explosive).
The sneakers feature full-length ZoomX foam for rebound and cushioning, plus further Air Zoom cushioning for even more improved comfort and a true spring in one’s step. Responsiveness and stability are also the name of the game in designing the sneakers, which are set to debut in a host of sleek, sporty and stylish colors.
The offering looks futuristic and modern in its own, yet doesn’t sacrifice performance in the name of style, said Joël Greenspan, Nike’s senior director of design for Jordan Brand. “Our values with the Air Jordan XXXIX came down to things like shape, proportion and stance,” Greenspan said. “We didn’t want to build a spaceship that was overtly aesthetic.”
Greenspan also added that Nike “didn’t want to make the technology the visual focus of the design. Still, when athletes put on the shoe, we want them to instantly know they’re getting the most premium performance system possible.”
Indeed, Nike looked at details both large and small, designing the textured upper to flex naturally with the shoe while adding natural leather overlays for enhanced forefoot security. For the first time, the line boasts a cupsole design for even greater stability from baseline to baseline. In matters of form and function, Nike fans have a full rollout to keep an eye on: The first all-white colorway debuts today (July 23rd), with further Jordan-inspired colors slated for future collections through spring 2025.
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