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Since its inception in November 17, 1984, Jordan Brand has prided itself upon introducing basketball’s best performance footwear and athletic apparel. Michael Jordan, arguably the greatest player in NBA history, played several of the league’s most historic games in Air Jordan sneakers. Following suit, star athletes like Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, Luka Doncic, and others on the JB roster have displayed iconic performances and careers with the Jumpman on their feet. Coming full circle, the upcoming release of the Air Jordan XXXVI continues the brand’s mission of providing athletes with performance-enhancing accessories.
The Air Jordan XXXVI, or Air Jordan 36, is the successor to the Air Jordan XXXV (35), Jordan Brand’s most prominent basketball performer yet. Every year, the brand places thousands of dollars into Research and Development towards producing a more durable, comfortable, and top-of-the-line signature performance model. Jordan Brand designers and product teams took the idea of “amplified reduction” and applied that to the upcoming silhouette to produce one of the lightest and most responsive basketball sneakers to date.
Jordan Brand designers believe that the Air Jordan XXXVI represents the pinnacle basketball shoe of the industry, focused on refining fit, traction, and reducing weight without sacrificing support or cushioning. In large part, this has been made possible through the sneaker’s new jacquard leno-weave upper. This material is not only far lighter and breathable than any other materials used previously, but also provides ample support and stability for any lateral cuts and sharp movements. Moreover, the see-through material provides a unique aesthetic that allows lights and colors to shine through.
The reinforced upper is one of the main selling-points of the Air Jordan performer, but the cushioning system has also been overhauled to optimize responsiveness while reducing weight. A plethora of Zoom Air cushioning marks the most ever placed underfoot, while another layer of Zoom Air is attached to the forefoot for an extra boost of responsiveness. Additionally, a full-length Zoom Air Strobel unit is stitched directly to the upper, sitting right underfoot. It is interesting to note that the Eclipse Plate from the previous two Air Jordan models has been hollowed out between the outsole and midsole in the Air Jordan XXXVI to help reduce weight and expose the shoe’s stabilizing shank (which helps keep the shoe from twisting).
To ensure no-slippage, the sneaker also features the staple favorite herringbone traction. The beloved traction pattern enables players to cut multi-directionally without losing momentum. Other features include a 2 loop band system to ensure side-to-side stability and a light tongue to ease pressure off of the ankle.
All in all, the Air Jordan XXXVI represents the new-age of performance basketball and the attention JB is placing into their performance signature series. The sneaker will release for $185 to the general public in three inaugural colorways: “Glory,” “First Light, ” and “Psychic Energy.” The pairs will release on August 16, September 2, and September 16, respectively. Multiple players, including the NBA’s Jayson Tatum, Rui Hachimura, and Luka Doncic, China’s Guo Ailun, as well as the WNBA’s Kia Nurse and Satou Sabally will be wearing the sneaker during the upcoming season.
