Meet Michael Jordan's newest signature shoe: the Air Jordan XXXIX

Product news

These basketball sneaks up the game in performance shoe design.

Last updated: 30 October 2024
3 min read
Meet Michael Jordan's newest signature shoe: the Air Jordan XXXIX
  • The Air Jordan XXXIX is the newest product in Nike's storied Air Jordan flagship line.
  • Inspired by Michael Jordan's cross-step, the Air Jordan XXXIX features a new midsole combination of both full-length ZoomX foam and Air Zoom. The uppers help secure the feet during explosive changes in direction.
  • The Air Jordan XXXIX was released on 23 July 2024 on jordan.com and at selected retailers.
  • Orlando Magic forward and Jordan Brand athlete Paolo Banchero debuted the new sneakers during the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs.

Top ballers always try to move ahead—and so should the shoes' creators. The newest product in Nike's storied Air Jordan flagship line, the Air Jordan XXXIX, further advances performance-driven sneaker design and helps athletes stay on top.

When Nike set out to create Michael Jordan's newest signature shoe, the company took inspiration from the icon's trademark cross-step. The brand's goal: to create a shoe that would help players change direction more effectively and responsively.

The result, which was released on 23 July 2024, is the first basketball shoe featuring full lengths of both ZoomX foam and Air Zoom—talk about a power duo when it comes to responsive cushioning. Lightweight ZoomX foam is a key ingredient in shoes that elite performance runners often wear, while Air Zoom has been a feature in the Air Jordan line since the Air Jordan XII. Because stability is critical when players explosively change direction, the panelling on the uppers includes leather overlays to help contain ballers' feet.

Simpler in design than other models in the Air Jordan line, the kicks come in nine colourways, including red, black and white. "Our values with the Air Jordan XXXIX came down to things like shape, proportion and stance", explains Joël Greenspan, senior design director for Jordan Brand Performance Footwear. "We didn't want to build a spaceship that was overtly aesthetic. In other words, we didn't want to make the technology the visual focus of the design.

Meet Michael Jordan's newest signature shoe: the Air Jordan XXXIX

"This is Michael Jordan's signature shoe. From the cushioning to the materials to the construction, everything about this shoe is at the pinnacle. When athletes put on the shoe, we want them to instantly know they're getting the most premium performance system possible".

Orlando Magic forward and Jordan Brand athlete Paolo Banchero debuted these shoes during the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs.

Originally published: 25 July 2024

Related Stories

The Jordan Brand innovates through thoughtful design choices with the launch of the Tatum 3

Product news

The Jordan Brand innovates through thoughtful design choices with the launch of the Tatum 3

The redesigned Nike Zoom Fly 6 is the ultimate choice for training and racing

Product news

The redesigned Nike Zoom Fly 6 is the ultimate choice for training and racing

The LeBron XXII is built to handle pressure and powerful moves

Product news

The LeBron XXII is built to handle pressure and powerful moves

Jordan Heir Series celebrates excellence in women's basketball

Product news

Jordan Heir Series celebrates excellence in women's basketball

The Doernbecher Freestyle 20 Collection features noteworthy kicks by youth sneaker designers

Product news

The Doernbecher Freestyle 20 Collection features noteworthy kicks by youth sneaker designers