Would You Pay More for Better Quality Air Jordan Retros?

With contributions from Pete Forester and Jacques Slade

Air Jordans are going to be made in a whole different way for spring 2015. In an interview with Sole Collector, the brand's VP of footwear confirmed that the Jumpman is remastering the way it produces its retros by using new materials and getting the retros closer to the originals as possible. While this may sound like great news to most 'heads, this new overhaul does come with a price (literally). The new changes will cost the brand 10-15 percent more money in production, which will most likely be passed down to the consumer. Of course, this begs the question: Would people be willing to fork over a extra dough to get a truer Air Jordan retro? We talked to some prominent sneakerheads to get their take. See what they had to say by checking out Would You Pay More for Better Quality Air Jordan Retros?

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Who: Jason Faustino
Twitter: @Jay_ExtraButter

I would surely pay more for a better quality Air Jordan retro, but I also think quality extends way past people's current definition of "quality," which usually only involves premium leathers and suede. I fully expect Jordan Brand to deliver better quality in a multitude of ways that everyone won't hesitate to drop more money on.

Who: Nick De Paula
Twitter: @_NDP

When the news broke on Friday that Jordan Brand plans to restore respectability to its legendary Retro line by releasing "remastered" versions with upgraded quality, I couldn't have been happier. For the last five years or so, I've actually completely lost interest in most of the brand's launches. The shoes I like, I already had A re-re-Retro of original colorways don't do much for me. And with the way pairs are even released nowadays in an era of Twitter-only links, actually getting a pair you want is a hassle and ordeal in itself. There's been three launches in the last year that I would've liked to have scooped, only to completely strike out at 5 a.m. Then there's the quality, which has been pretty much terrible for a shoe priced at $100, let alone $170. I've been buying Air Monarchs each year for my dad and uncle, and at $62 bucks, they've got materials just as suspect as my Military IVs.

The fact that the Jordan Brand even admitted that they needed to take an honest look at the quality of its Retros was a huge surprise, and a bold statement from the brand's end. For me, paying a difference of $20-25 for improved quality seems completely worth it. A key factor is I don't really buy as many shoes as I used to a few years ago, but I'll definitely be getting one or two pairs a season now. (Which probably still counts as a lot.) For a shoe like the Air Jordan XII or a City Series Air Jordan X, where the leather quality can be a make or break deal, that extra hit to the wallet is completely worth it. When brand leaders talk about things like improving comfort and longevity of their shoes, that should be a win for everyone involved. More than anything, it's just encouraging to hear that the brand has a renewed sense of value, and that they're actually listening to their most loyal audience. For someone that's been frustrated endlessly with the handling of retros over the last few years, the news couldn't be more exciting.

Who: Deon Point
Twitter: @Deon_Point_BLC

I don't think anyone will be displeased to hear about an overall increase in quality. The reality is its been an issue for some time now. The Jordan consumer is unquestionably the most particular in terms of details and authenticity. If anyone deserves that level of attention to detail, it's them.

From a consumer standpoint, I don't see it posing that much of a problem, either. It's not a secret that price increases happen often within the sneaker world. People are already paying a premium for product that will look pale in comparison to the quality of the newly remastered retros. Of course not everyone will share the same enthusiasm for the price increase. It's worth mentioning how difficult it is to obtain Jordan releases as is. That coupled with a higher price point may turn some people off. For the guy that grew up on the brand, I think he will appreciate the level of execution.

Who: Andy Oliver
Twitter: @AndyOliverWpg

I think the Jordan "remastering" announcement is great news. I've said for years that I would have no problem paying a premium for higher quality Jordans, and now that seems to be the case. As for why Jordan is doing this, I think this accomplishes three things:

1) It gives them a great excuse to raise the price of retros across the board. Jordan Brand had been testing the consumer's willingness to pay $225+ over the last few years with the Bin23s and the Lab line, and there has been little to no resistance. Even if Jordan alienates a small percentage of customers with the bump, the price increase should more than offset those losses.

2) This appeases a small (just ask Matt Powell) but vocal minority that had been complaining about the declining quality of Jordan products. Based on initial feedback, there's also now a segment that wants the quality improvements without the price bump, which makes no sense at all, and proves forever that you can't make everyone happy in sneakerland.

3) Most importantly, "remastering" gives Jordan a good reason to reboot the retro cycle again, and gives sneakerheads a great reason to re-buy the sneakers that they bought only a year or two ago. JB used to give 5-10 years of reissue time. But with the market being as hot as it is, I'd expect to see all of your favorites remastered and back on shelves within a few years. All that being said, I don't see this being a move that will result in huge increases in retro sales. The reality is that Jordan Brand sells through the vast majority of their retros anyway. Instead, I see this as a way to keep a notoriously fickle consumer group engaged with their brand while pushing the retro price point higher and higher.

Who: Frank the Butcher
Twitter: @FrankTheButcher

First of all, I think it's refreshing to read that the heads of Jordan Brand are acknowledging the importance of bringing the shoes we love — that we grew up on — back to their original state and integrity. It's no secret that the quality of materials, construction, shape, and even fit has declined over the years. Let's be totally honest, it's not in most companies' business models to invest more money into something that's already selling (like crack) the way it is. That within itself is a major statement. My question is, does it matter?

It will most definitely matter to some, myself included, but the majority of Jordan Brand consumers don't really have a reference to how the shoes used to be. If a retro cost 10-15 percent more after they re-engineer them, as long as there's a real distinction between the quality of previous retros, people will still cop. I think this is a guarantee. If the retail price increases and consumers can't see the difference, like really see it with the naked eye, I'm not sure how people will respond. At the same time, if that's the only scenario available at retail, will people have a choice? I just want to see my favorite retro models, in original make ups, in a better quality and fit. I look forward to seeing if this is a reality.