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Floating around the web the last few weeks and appearing early on the feet of Hoody Melo, the Air Jordan XXX2 is officially here. Led by reigning MVP Russell Westbrook but likely to be worn in PE form by Kawhi Leonard, Carmelo Anthony and other Jordan Brand ambassadors, the XXX2 follows a similar rollout to that of its predecessor, pulling DNA and inspiration from the AJ legacy and the last digit corresponding with Mike’s models in Chicago.
Inspired in shape and structure by the Air Jordan 2, the XXX2 is built off a high-tenacity Flyknit upper for maximum flexibility but still backed by a molded leather or suede heel counter for a luxury nod to its Italian inspiration.
“With Jordan shoes, we obsess the style in a way that puts many of the performance elements under the hood, so to speak,” says AJXXX2 designer, Tate Kuerbis. “For example, I wanted to make the laces just disappear into the knit structure, but inside there is a whole harness system with webbing that really locks down your foot.”
Under the foot and around the upper, inspiration pulls from more than just the ’87 favorite. Most importantly, cushioning calls upon an oft forgotten but still coveted pair from MJ’s closet.
“For the XXX2, we pistoned the bag just as much as the AJ 18, but we smoothed out the transition,” Kuerbis explains. “This set-up allows maximum surface area on the court.”
Inspired by the old but still all things new, the Air Jordan XXX2 will be worn on court this season by Russell Westbrook. Look for it to launch globally in all-red, mid-top fashion on September 23rd with both mid and low takes on the “Bred” theme following shortly after.
Air Jordan XXX2
Release Date: September 23, 2017
