The original Air Jordan 2’s were manufactured in Italy, so it seems fitting that they were to be unveiled here today. And what comes with Italian made is quality. The Air Jordan 2 – a highly underrated sneaker because of MJ’s low attendance to the hardwood that year – is still one of the best quality and highest comfort basketball shoes of the early Jordan days.
Designers Bruce Kilgore and Peter Moore wanted to incorporate premium leather and high-end construction on the 2 – plus they couldn’t figure out how to properly build out the 2’s sole unit, which required a direct-injection PU–a molding and pouring method that holds the sneaker’s upper together. So they traveled across the Atlantic to find the best materials and a solution. And of course, Italians know their footwear.
Mike lacing up the Air Jordan 2, circa 1987
Even though the shoe rarely made it to court, this trek was beneficial to Nike and Jordan Brand as it helped push sneaker line’s technology limits, opening up the future of performance. The reason why it didn’t make court? Mj suffered a broken left foot early into the 1985-86 season and ended up appearing in only 18 regular season games. And when he did return from the injury, he didn’t wear the 2 in the postseason. He lit up the Celtics for 63 points while rocking the AJ1 that year.
The 2 never really had had a shining moment on court. And that hasn’t helped it’s legacy. With Jordan brand in recent years trying to give it a push, it just doesn’t seem to have the traction. The only thing really going for it – The only Air Jordan to be made in Italia.
The latest in Mike’s signature series encapsulates not only the history of performance, but also the use of premium materials to create a sneaker that works perfectly on the court. The new Air Jordan XXXII has a Nike Flyknit upper, sitting on top of a Nike Zoom Air unit in both the heel and forefoot. Its cushioning is finished off by Jordan Brand’s signature Flight Plate, the lightweight, energy-returning material in the midsole
“We start with athlete insights at the heart of everything we do. We craft every detail from macro to micro, obsessing fit, form and function. Thirty years ago, they obsessed those same details when designing the Jordan 2, which led to the premium materials and the innovative style of Italy. Our goal with the AJ XXXII was to combine the essence of the Jordan 2 with today’s best innovation to create a distinct design language both on and off the court.”
David Creech, Jordan Brand VP of Design
The lacing system is accompanied by the Flyknit upper, making its Jordan Brand basketball debut. The Flyknit’s high-tenacity yarn makes kicks flexible, supportive and comfortable. The sneaker’s heel is created with a moulded leather or suede, emphasizing the importance of design that Kuerbis mentioned.
The collar is where the XXXII looks like the 2. Thats no mistake. It references MJ’s six titles. And Jordan Brand says that “a herringbone traction formed of a series of almost wiper blade-like shapes” is the final touch on the XXXII.
“The XXXII is a great combination of performance and style. The way I play demands that I have the best performing sneaker on my feet and style is something that is engrained in me as a person and player.”
Russell Westbrook
Russell Westbrook is of course the athlete to unveil this year’s Air Jordan coming off his MVP-winning season. Now, we do love you Russell – and I know you understand performance – but you do have a questionable fashion sense – So when you do say something is stylish – I have to question it. There has been major disappointment amongst the sneaker community about the aesthetic appeal of the shoes – but we get it. It’s about performance. But it was about performance 30 years ago, too. And who knows, in another 30 years we may just look back and love these retros just as much.
The materials and construction look amazing. I can’t wait to get theses both in-hand and on court. You can take a look at the first three releases below including the “Rosso Corsa”, “Bred” and “Bred” Low, as well as a few images from JB and Russell for the release!
AIR JORDAN 32 “ROSSO CORSA”
Style Code: AA1253-601
RELEASE DATE: SEPTEMBER 23RD, 2017
Price: $185
AIR JORDAN 32 “BRED”
Style Code: AA1253-001
RELEASE DATE: OCTOBER 18TH, 2017
Price: $185
AIR JORDAN 32 LOW “BRED”
Style Code: AA1256-001
RELEASE DATE: OCTOBER 18TH, 2017
Price: $160
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