Skip to content

Nike unveils new Air Jordan XXXI's as tribute to banned originals

Nike

The latest kicks in the Air Jordan line are a nod to the original shoes which created a great deal of controversy around Michael Jordan and the NBA.

The Jordan brand unveiled the new Jordan XXXI's at an event in Las Vegas on Wednesday night.

Priced at $185, the Jordan XXXI's feature a red and black color scheme with a leather upper. There will also be a Jordan symbol and a Nike swoosh present for the first time since the Jordan I.

On the sole of the shoe will be the word "Banned" in bold capital letters. Former league commissioner Russ Granik sent a letter to Nike back in 1985 stating that the originals did not comply with the NBA's dress code.

"In accordance with our conversations, this will confirm and verify that the National Basketball Association's rules and procedures prohibited the wearing of certain red and black Nike basketball shoes by Chicago Bulls player Michael Jordan on or around October 18, 1984," the letter said, according to ESPN's Darren Rovell.

Rumors circulated at the time that Jordan would be fined $5,000 for every game he donned the shoes, although Nike was apparently willing to pick up the tab so their top promotional tool wouldn't have to.

The original shoes cost just $65 upon release, with the company earning over $100 million over the span of nine months.

The Jordan XXXI's will be available for purchase on Sept. 3.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox