Everywhere one looks, the Jordan brand is front and center—from Nike’s commercials to the lead role in NBA games, the Jordan brand has become one of the most recognizable sports apparel and footwear companies in the world. Part of the reason for this global ubiquity is the iconic Air Jordan sneaker line. Since its launch in 1984, the Air Jordan sneaker line has become synonymous with athleticism, celebrity, style and performance. The latest addition to the line, the Air Jordan XXXVI, embodies all of these qualities and more. Here, we take a closer look at the latest iteration of this iconic sneaker line and examine its many features.
Established in 1984, the Air Jordan line was the result of a collaboration between NBA superstar Michael Jordan and Nike. The first shoes in the line featured a red, white and black colorway, with the name generously branding the side of the shoes. The brand has since gone on to become one of the largest and most popular in the world., making it one of the most profitable co-brandings in history.
In 2020, Nike released the Air Jordan XXXVI, their latest iteration of the iconic line. Boasting an all-black upper constructed of both leather and mesh, the Air Jordan XXXVI draws inspiration from performance and lifestyle, from the court to the street. The shoe offer signature Nike design elements like a full-length Zoom air unit and dual Nike React foam cushioning, designed to provide optimal responsiveness and comfort. The upper of the shoe is rounded out with a single-stitched toe overlay and Nike Flywire overlays, providing support and stability during cutting and jumping movements.
On the outside, the Air Jordan XXXVI also stands out due to the iconic Jordan brand tongue logo, which is visible in a glossy black finish. Hidden beneath the black upper, the Air Jordan XXXVI also features an alternate colorway, which can be revealed by activating a special lighting element. Activated by a pressure-sensitive light sensor near the shoe’s midsole, the user can alternate between a smokey grey colorway and a bright red one by simply pressing on the sensor.
In addition to its impressive performance and design features, the Air Jordan XXXVI also stands out from the crowd due to its tight connection to the Jordan brand, which is visible through its branding. Large Jumpman logos can be found on both the toe and heel, and the iconic “XXVI” graphic can be seen near the lace loops. Additionally, the all-black upper features a subtle 3D-printed texture and iridescent details, which is a tribute to Michael Jordan’s famous “Flu Game”.
Overall, the Air Jordan XXXVI offers an impressive combination of style, design and performance, making it one of the greatest shoes in the Air Jordan line. With premium materials, advanced technologies and iconic branding, the Air Jordan XXXVI is sure to be just as iconic as the first shoe in the line.