Less than a year after releasing the Air Jordan XXX, Jordan Brand is back with another Michael Jordan signature shoe — the Air Jordan XXXI.
The label unveiled the latest court-ready shoe in Las Vegas — hosted by DJ Clark Kent and sneaker aficionado Russ Bengtson — which was streamed live via jordan.com. According to the brand, the Air Jordan XXXI is a representation of Jordan Brand’s balance of performance and fashion, giving lightweight support to athletes while offering off-court sensibilities.
The shoe, which was heavily inspired by the “Banned” Air Jordan 1, boasts a full-length Zoom Air unit. It also incorporates Flyweave in the forefoot that blends seamlessly into leather towards the heel.
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For the first time, according to the brand, a Swoosh and Jumpman branding is featured alongside on a Air Jordan at the same time. The shoe also marks the first time a Swoosh logo has been featured on an Air Jordan since the Air Jordan 1.
The Air Jordan XXXI “Banned”arrives in stores globally, we well as on jordan.com, on Sept. 23.
But the unveil isn’t the first time the shoe has been spotted online. Chicago Bulls star Jimmy Butler posted an image guarding NBA champion Kyrie Irving during a Team USA practice wearing a red, white and blue pair of the shoe. Images also surfaced on social media in the last week of New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony wearing the same shoes during his Olympics practices.
