US firm Nike's Air Jordan introduces Air Jordan XXXVIII

Built to serve intricate footwork, the shoe is designed low to the ground so players can have more court feel during pivots, cuts and defensive slides. The new X-Plate, which is a nod to the straps on the Air Jordan VIII, keeps the foot over the footbed during sharp movements. A radial herringbone traction pattern works with a full-length Zoom Strobel unit and full-length Cushlon 3.0 foam for just the right amount of responsive cushioning. The outrigger helps secure the foot for lateral movements. The X-Plate continues a long line of Jordan-exclusive development in its plate technology, from the Flight Plate to the Eclipse Plate to the IsoPlate.

The backless embroidery over the forefoot area in the upper helps secure the foot. The upper doubles as a canvas for highlighting Michael Jordan’s performance in the 1993 championship series where he averaged almost 41 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists on 50 per cent field goal percentage. The embroidered upper features specific areas calling out those stats. For example, 41 crosshatches on the collar represent Jordan’s 41-points-per-game average for the series. Three diamonds on the medial side symbolize the Chicago franchise’s third consecutive championship. 

When the shoe’s components are taken together, the Air Jordan XXXVIII is the most sustainably made Air Jordan signature shoe in Jordan Brand history, made of at least 20 per cent recycled material by weight.

The Air Jordan XXXVIII releases in the Fundamental colourway on August 18.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RR)