Following a number of Nike and Converse collaborations, Chinese sneaker boutique SoulGoods is now partnering with Jordan Brand for the first time.
SoulGoods‘ Jordan debut arrives via the Air Ship, the sneaker Michael Jordan wore early in his NBA career prior to his own shoe being ready. Departing from its typical leather construction, SoulGoods’ version sees suede taking over the majority of the upper, save for a mesh tongue. Brown is nearly as dominant, interrupted only by a a shaggier grey toe tip to match the midsole.
The primary brand mark arrives via SoulGoods’ tiger logo embossed onto the collar, but the number “5” is also stitched onto the lateral heels, and the challenge to “Prove Yourself,” the name of the collaboration, appears on the sockliner. For a final flourish, the Swoosh has also been layered.
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Running counter to the mythos of the Air Jordan 1, it was actually the Nike Air Ship that was banned by the NBA for its colors failing to conform to the league’s uniform regulations. Jordan never even wore the AJ1 in its black and red “Bred” or “Banned” colorway, but that didn’t stop Nike from capitalizing on a tremendous marketing opportunity.
Until recently, few people knew the true story of the Air Ship, and Nike didn’t bring back the sneaker until 2020. With the sneaker continuing to roll out with more colorways and collaborations since, it’s been moved over to the Jordan Brand umbrella.
The SoulGoods Jordan Air Ship “Prove Yourself” has been confirmed by the boutique, but no release details have yet been announced. This post will be updated as more information becomes available, however, a U.S. release should be expected.
About the Author:
Ian Servantes is a Senior Trending News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.
