Jordan Brand is embracing past controversies — as the latest kicks in the Air Jordan line are a tribute to the original shoes which created a ton of controversy and momentum.
The Jordan brand unveiled the new Jordan XXXI’s at an event in Las Vegas on Wednesday night and social media lost its mind.
Going for $185, the Jordan XXXI’s feature a red and black colorway with a leather upper — a Jordan symbol and a Nike swoosh present for the first time since the Jordan I.
“In accordance with our conversations, this will confirm and verify that the National Basketball Association’s rules and procedures prohibited the wearing of certain red and black Nike basketball shoes by Chicago Bulls player Michael Jordan on or around October 18, 1984,” the letter said, according to ESPN’s Darren Rovell.
The “Banned” is for former league commissioner Russ Granik — who sent a letter to Nike back in 1985 stating that the originals did not comply with the NBA’s dress code.
The 31st iteration of the shoe will be worn, as has been tradition, by Jordan brand spokesman Russell Westbrook.
The Jordan XXXI’s will be available for purchase on Sept. 3.
Flip The Page To See More from the unveil: