Hard to believe it, but Air Jordan is 40. Well…more specifically the shoe brand is releasing the 40th iteration of the storied sneaker. The Air Jordan 40 is set to release this month. Nike and Jordan Brand are putting their full weight behind the release. President of Jordan Brand, Sarah Mensah spoke about the release saying “[t]his is an incredible moment for our brand as we define the next era of greatness alongside the next generation of hoopers…The Air Jordan 40 represents the future. Built for today’s player and the specifics of today’s game, it’s the beginning of a new chapter in our storied legacy.”
But what do sneakerheads and casual fans alike have to look forward to? Let’s look under the hood.
The Tech
Nike is known for bringing new and innovative tech to a major release and The Air Jordan 40 is no different. For the first time across Nike, Inc., the Air Jordan 40 pairs full-length Nike ZoomX foam with a full Zoom Strobel.
Accoding to Nike, ZoomX is the company’s softest, lightest and most responsive foam. It delivers athletes 85 percent energy return and powers them in performance. The full-length Zoom Strobel places Nike’s most responsive cushioning directly underfoot to provide the propulsion required for explosive on-court movement.
Paired together, the two landmark innovations combine to create a first-of-its-kind ride for athletes, enabling powerful, fast movement alongside best-in-class support and recovery.
“This is the definitive performance basketball shoe on the market. For the first time, we’ve combined two landmark Nike, Inc. innovations to create the Air Jordan of the future,” says Jason Mayden, Chief Design Officer, Jordan Brand.
The Look
When Air Jordan debuted 40 years ago its look was iconic. Ditching NBA mandated white for black and red colorway. Four decades later the brand is still pushing the envelope.
The new silhouette carries forward the iconic design legacy of the Air Jordan lineage. It references details from prior models in a striking new look. Think of it as a mash-up of all prior iterations of Air Jordan.
In an additional nod to the four-decade history of Air Jordan footwear, the silhouette’s logo is designed entirely of 40-degree angles. A theme mirrored on the herringbone traction pattern. This also calls to mind several of the franchise’s most iconic outsole designs.
The Air Jordan 40 also features a premium construction that delivers elite levels of support and protection. Webbing enables 360-degree containment while offering a subtle nod to Michael Jordan’s six championships. There is also a unique traction pattern comprised of 40-degree angles designed to help hoopers start and stop on a dime.
“We wouldn’t be Jordan Brand if we weren’t also obsessing the intersection of style and performance. This shoe helps you get buckets and look good while doing it. It perfectly embodies the essence of effortless versatility,” said Mayden.
The Buzz
“I can’t wait to take the court in the Air Jordan 40 this season,” says Paolo Banchero, Jordan Brand athlete. “It’s truly a shoe built for today’s style of basketball, with the innovative edge that comes from being a member of the Jordan Family. That attention to performance will take my game to the next level as I continue to proudly represent the Jumpman, the ultimate symbol of greatness.”
The Drop
The Air Jordan 40 will be available July 12 at jordan.com and select retail locations.
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