Jordan Brand Enters the "Dad Shoe" Space with the LOR, A Chunky Running-Inspired Sneaker

Jordan Brand will forever be a basketball-focused company, but the imprint has expanded its scope of vision throughout its 40-year history, bringing #23's winning legacy to baseball, golf, and other sports. Over the last handful of decades, the Nike, Inc. subsidiary has also delved into the lifestyle space, creating product specifically for comfort and fashion needs. The latest example arrives in the form of the Jordan LOR, one of the brand's chunkiest designs to date.

Unveiled by Instagram user @kicksdong, the sneaker could easily be mistaken for the New Balance 990v4, especially in its debut 'Wolf Grey' colorway. Close inspection reveals some similarities between both models, with Google Image Search even mistaking Jordan Brand's offering as the New Balance 9060. A robust, ribbed midsole sets the stage for an upper constructed from suede and mesh. Both materials aren't foreign to the iconic Air Jordan line, but their layout on the LOR mimic old school running sneakers. A perforated cage appears across the profiles, working as a stability and containment unit for the pair. Pull tabs at the heel round out the running-inspired top-half.

Underfoot, the chunky midsole falls in line with other "dad shoe" proposals on the market. Jumpman and Jordan branding land throughout the outsole, which lacks the aggressive rubber traction found on performance-runners like the Nike VaporFly 4. A traction zone below the forefoot reveals a grey-colored foam that's likely some comfortable EVA blend instead of the marquee Formula23 compound found in some of Jordan Brand's top products. Regardless, each aforementioned component helps the company continue expanding its reach outside of basketball.

Firm release details for the unreleased model have yet to be disclosed by the Jumpman family, but that's expected to change throughout summer. Expect the Jordan LOR to retail for around $150 and hit Nike.com in other colorways inspired by Michael Jordan's signature series.

For more from the Swoosh conglomerate, check out the Tom Sachs Mars Yard 3.0, the controversial artist's most recent collaboration with Nike.