Michael Jordan’s free throw line throw-down in the 1988 Dunk Contest is one of basketball’s most memorable moments. As such, Jordan Brand has taken great effort to educate the next generation on #23’s excellence, from explaining the “Bred” Jordan 1 Mid’s color combination to recognizing his 1982 NCAA Championship game-winning shot with a mid-top design. The Beaverton-based brand is revisiting that February night and using the wide-shot of his slam from the stripe as inspiration for its latest Air Jordan 1 Mid.
The shoe’s materials are a dynamic blend of tumbled and cracked leather
The mudguard and quarter are made of tumbled leather. The overlays on the mudguard and quarter feature the color “Chicago red,” and the rest of the shoe is made of neutral colors. The top and back half of the shoe are made of a cream-colored leather that is dotted with raised laser-etched designs. Except for the collar panel, which is made of cracked leather again, the laces, sock liner, and midfoot Swooshes are all jet-black, which makes them stand out from the rest of the shoe. Anchored by a tried-and-true white/black sole unit pairing, the pair’s design is finished with specially-made insignias like the 3:51 embossed at the heel and inner tongue, which matches the time on the clock in the background of the photo, sketched insoles, and different-colored winged logos.
Termination
The Air Jordan 1 Mid will undoubtedly be a welcome addition to the Air Jordan lineup. The colors and materials do an excellent job of capturing the image of the Free Throw Line Dunk, while yet managing to produce a sneaker that is wholly original.
