Jordan Brand's "Shattered Backboard" Story Continues Next Weekend

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On that triumphant summer day back in 1985 when Michael Jordan shattered a backboard during an exhibition game in Italy, he had no idea that over 30 years later it would be a central story note that inspired not only a re-release of his first signature shoe, but a budding colorway of his thirty-first.

But it is, and next weekend both the Air Jordan 1 and Air Jordan 31 “Shattered Backboard” will carry the legendary vignette along. Here, though, according to Jordan Brand, the story takes a bit of a turn where the Air Jordan 1 is concerned.

It’s said that the “Reverse Shattered Backboard” actually pays tribute to the opposing team’s uniforms, not Jordan’s. The Air Jordan 31 is more traditional in its inspiration, as Starfish/Black take the tonal lead.

Take a look at official images of both pairs below and let us know if you plan to cop on the shared October 8 Jordan Release Date.