Jordan Brand is set to release the Air Jordan 41, the latest model in its signature basketball shoe line, with a limited launch in China on Aug. 28 before a global release.
The new shoe is designed around speed, responsiveness, and stability while moving away from some of the traditional materials used in past Air Jordan models. Jordan Brand said the 41 was developed with feedback from Michael Jordan, professional and college players, and athletes in Nike’s Elite Youth Basketball League.
“The Air Jordan 41 is a statement about where Jordan Brand is headed,” Jordan Brand President Sarah Mensah said. She said the shoe carries on the company’s history while being designed for athletes who are shaping the future of basketball.
One of the biggest changes is the shoe’s nano print mesh upper. The lightweight woven material is meant to improve breathability and support while helping players stay secure during cuts and changes of direction.
“With the 41, we wanted to create an upper that could move with the athlete and feel lighter without sacrificing the containment and confidence they need to play at their best,” said Leo Chang, senior creative director of basketball and sport for Jordan Brand.
The Air Jordan 41 also includes a full-length Zoom Strobel unit, a ZoomX midsole, and an Air Zoom unit in the heel. Jordan Brand said the added heel cushioning was influenced by Jordan’s emphasis on defense and staying ready to move forward quickly.
A carbon-fiber and TPU shank adds stability, while a HART rubber herringbone traction pattern is designed to help players change direction on the court.
Jordan Brand athlete Paolo Banchero said the shoe’s responsiveness stood out during play.
“What I love about 41 is that it lets me play my game without thinking about what’s on my feet,” Banchero said.
The shoe also takes a different visual approach from many earlier Air Jordans, using thin textiles and nano-printed mesh instead of relying heavily on traditional leather. A TPU window reveals part of the shoe’s internal technology.
The first colorways will follow a gemstone theme tied to Jordan’s life and career. The Ruby version references his championship three-peats in Chicago, while the Amethyst and Opal versions will nod to his birthstone and alma mater.
