Perhaps the most unexpected on-court debut of a Jordan flagship shoe of all time took place when UCLA Guard Kiki Rice (Jordan Brand's first NIL athlete) debuted the Air Jordan 38 during the NCAA Tournament this past March. Since then, other Jordan Brand athletes such as Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley, Denver Nuggets forward Jeff Green, and Los Angeles Sparks forward Dearica Hamby have also quietly taken the court in the model without an official word of launch. That changes today with Jordan Brand officially announcing the Air Jordan 38 in Paris.
Touted as Jordan Brand's most sustainable flagship release ever, the Air Jordan 38 is made of 20% recycled material. The inclusion of a new X-Plate is a nod to the straps of the Air Jordan 8. The thinking behind the design was to keep athletes low, stable, and agile on the ground. Engineered embroidery is featured on the upper, lightweight and durable to protect the wearer's foot. A full-length Cushlon 3.0 wedge combines with a full-length Zoom strobel to provide maximum comfort and a responsive feel. The Zoom strobel acts as a launching plate that provides explosiveness and multidirectional separation. Herringbone traction works the X-Plate for quick movements and protection.
As usual, the details on the shoe are symbolically tied to Michael Jordan and his career. This particular shoe's details reference Jordan's performance in the 1993 NBA Finals. On the lateral side, 41 crosshatches represent the 41 points per game Jordan averaged in the series. Below are patterns that represent 6.3 assists and lines for 8.5 rebounds. The top of the upper on the medial side is a reference to the third-consecutive championship won by the Chicago Bulls. Lines below that are symbolic of the Bulls 57-25 record. There's also an abstract ring featured in the inside of the tongue, a unique Air Jordan 38 logo featured on the tongue, 38 textured circles on the outside of the dual-injected plate, and 23 circles outside of it.
The first three Air Jordan 38s are connected to Jordan Brand heritage and key influencers of the game. Releasing on August 18 is "Fundamental," a black, white, and red pair that references the DNA of Jordan Brand. On September 7, the "FIBA" Air Jordan 38 will release. This colorway honors the International Basketball Federation with a neutral palette with vibrant accents inspired by the hues of the FIBA logo. Lastly, Jordan Brand honors women putting in work on the court with the "Center Star" colorway, styled in bright orange in reference to the WNBA logo. That release takes place on September 25.
The Air Jordan 38 will release in full-family sizing for $200 beginning August 18.
Air Jordan 38 "Fundamental"
Release Date: 08/18/23
Style #: DZ3356-106
Air Jordan 38 "FIBA"
Release Date: 09/07/23
Style #: FN7481-100
Air Jordan 38 "Center Star" ("WNBA")
Release Date: 09/25/23
Style #: FQ9008-800
