What to Know:
- The Air Jordan 38 introduces the X-Plate, a new plate technology drawn from the insights of Michael Jordan’s impeccable footwork. The X-Plate, a nod to the Air Jordan VIII straps, combines a radial herringbone traction pattern and a full-length Zoom Strobel unit.
- The upper is made with a unique backless embroidery and doubles as a canvas for highlighting Michael Jordan’s performance in the 1993 championship series.
- The Air Jordan XXXVIII is the most sustainably made Air Jordan signature shoe in Jordan Brand history, made of at least 20 percent recycled material by weight.
The Air Jordan signature series isn’t just the most storied footwear line in basketball history, it’s also the basketball line at the cutting edge of innovation for the next generation of player. The Air Jordan 38 is the next step in that history, introducing a new plate technology drawn from the insights of Michael Jordan’s impeccable footwork. Court mobility and creating separation were the focus, harkening back to Jordan’s fadeaway jumper.
Built to serve intricate footwork, the shoe is designed low to the ground so players can feel more court 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 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, when he averaged almost 41 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists on 50 percent 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 combined, the Air Jordan 38 is the most sustainably made Air Jordan signature shoe in Jordan Brand history, made of at least 20 percent recycled material by weight.
The Air Jordan 38 releases in the Fundamental colorway on August 18, followed by the Air Jordan 38 "FIBA" on September 7, and the Air Jordan 38 "Center Star" on September 25, all of which will be available from Nike.com.
You can learn more about these and every other upcoming release from Jordan Brand on our dedicated Jordan Release Dates Calendar.
