RUMOR: The Air Jordan 10 “Shadow” Returns in 2025

Jordan Brand is going into the vault for 2025 with the rumored release of the Air Jordan 10 “Shadow” with the leather toe cap.

The Air Jordan 10 “Shadow” has long been a staple in the legacy of Jordan Brand, symbolizing a key moment in both Michael Jordan’s career and sneaker history.

Originally released in 1994, the “Shadow” colorway offered a subdued look with its dark grey and black palette. The iteration’s minimalistic approach made it a standout among the more vibrant options within the Air Jordan 10 lineup, making it a cult classic among collectors.

The Air Jordan 10 was designed by Tinker Hatfield at a crucial time — right after Michael Jordan’s first retirement. Despite Jordan’s absence from the game, the silhouette served as a tribute to his first decade in the NBA, featuring an outsole that listed his most significant accomplishments from 1985 to 1994. The Air Jordan 10 also brought innovation to the forefront, introducing a lightweight Phylon midsole and speed lacing system that pushed the envelope of performance technology.

After its initial release, the “Shadow” made a notable return in 2008 as part of the coveted Countdown Pack (CDP) series. Paired with the Air Jordan 13 “He Got Game” colorway (13 + 10 = 23), the “Shadow” saw a resurgence that was welcomed with open arms among sneakerheads. The 2008 CDP release stayed faithful to the original design, reigniting interest in this iconic colorway and allowing fans who missed out in 1994 to add the pair to their collections in celebratory fashion.

In 2018, Jordan Brand once again revisited the “Shadow” colorway, re-releasing the sneaker with a focus on premium materials. The retro version featured the same blend of nubuck and leather as its predecessors, maintaining the original’s understated elegance.

The 2025 issue of the “Shadow” Air Jordan 10 will arrive with a leather toe cap, like the 2025 “Steel” Air Jordan 10. However, unlike the “Steel” version, the “Shadow” AJ10 didn’t debut with the leather toe cap although samples were made. The 2025 rendition will honor the unreleased version, marking the first time that the “Shadow” AJ10 releases with a leather toe cap.

The Air Jordan 10 “Shadow” releases in 2025 for $210 via SNKRS and select retailers.

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