Air Jordan XXXI

About

The Air Jordan XXXI debuted in 2016 and was designed by Jordan Brand senior designer Tate Kuerbis. Its one-piece upper transitions from lightweight Flyweave at the front to supportive leather at the rear, while FlightSpeed technology is paired with a full-length Zoom Air unit for the low-to-the-ground feel Michael Jordan requested. The shoe looks directly back to the Air Jordan 1: the original Wings logo returned, and a Swoosh appeared on the quarter panel alongside the Jumpman for the first time since the original. The lead 'Banned' colourway released worldwide on September 3, 2016 at a retail price of $185, commemorating the 30th anniversary of the NBA's ban on the black and red Air Jordan 1 and the $5,000 per game fine attached to it. A gradient fades from black at the heel into red at the toe, with 'BANNED' printed beneath the outsole. A 'USA' colourway was worn by Team USA players during the 2016 Olympic basketball tournament, and the model was built for Jordan Brand athletes such as Russell Westbrook.