The “Banned” Nike Air Ship Just Shock-Dropped in Europe!

36 years on, Mike’s actual Banned sneaker returns.

So, as it turns out, the rumored return of the Bred/Banned Air Jordan 1 for October/November last year wasn’t exactly unwarranted. In fact, we will be getting the OG Banned sneaker — but it’s not an Air Jordan 1. Yes, after 35 years of absence, the mythical “Banned” Nike Air Ship is getting its first fully-fledged retrospective release, as per our sources inside the Swoosh.

Michael Jordan circa 1984/85 in the NBA-banned Nike Air Ship, complete with PE “Air Jordan” branding on the heels.

It was the Nike Air Ship that Mike first wore in a 1984 practice match at Madison Square Garden that forced the league to issue a sanction to Jordan. Shortly after the sneaker’s appearance, the NBA notified Nike and the Bulls that the black and red sneaker from the October 18th game broke the “uniformity of uniform rule,” and he would immediately have to stop wearing the colorway on court.

Michael Jordan in the Nike Air Ship @ MSG vs NYK, October 18th, 1984

All-Star Weekend’s ‘New Beginnings’ pack was a monumental moment for the brand, as it, for the first time, recognized the history of the Air Ship. Before that, It’s marketing and folklore seemingly avoided the subject (as if we wouldn’t notice!) But this release is an even bigger step forward, with the Jumpman now officially recognizing the sneaker as the original “banned” sneaker.

Update 07.31.20

It was originally thought to be arriving last year for the 35th anniversary of the sneaker’s on-court debut — on October 18th, 2019 — but it has now been confirmed to be released in very limited numbers on August 7th, 2020, exclusively via raffle at Italian boutique Back Door [EU Only].

Update 08.05.20

Official images of the Banned Nike Air Ship have now arrived, including a handful of looks at the PE-inspired boxing, and a quick confirmation of the pair’s React-loaded cushioning on the instep. These official looks may indicate a future SNKRS release, but at this stage, the release is still exclusive to Europe.

Update 08.08.20

Pairs of the Niek Air Ship Pro “Banned” just dropped in Europe for the third annual SNKRS Day celebration. A stateside release is yet to be confirmed, but with this news surfacing, it’s best you stay close to your cell over the coming days.