Air Jordan XXXI ‘Banned’ revealed, Australian release date announced
The Air Jordan XXXI “Banned” was unveiled in Las Vagas on Wednesday night and will be available on Sep. 3. The red and black design was noted as a tribute to the Air Jordan I. The shoes were given the name “Banned” as homage to Air Jordan I’s defiance to the basketball league’s uniform code upon its release. Currently there is no official price set for Australian release.
“The Air Jordan XXXI represents a balance of Jordan Brand’s tradition of game-changing performance and its transcendent style: lightweight support for the world’s highest-flying athletes, including Russell Westbrook, and rich material details that exude an off-court sensibility,” the press release said.
Air Jordan XXXI features a “first-of-its-kind Flyweave” and leather that incorporates iconic Jordan elements. FlightSpeed technology with full-length Zoom Air enhances the court feel, responsiveness and lateral support.
Jordan Senior Designer Tate Kuerbis explains that the Air Jordan tradition of a low-profile cushioning stemmed from Jordan’s need to feel closer to the floor. “That was his thing,” Keurbis said.
Michael Jordan initially refused to work with Nike because of the thick soles. Jordan’s need to feel the court kick-started the thin rubber sole design in the Air Jordan shoes. Jordan XXXI’s entire process from design to production took 18 months.
Air Jordan I faced scrutiny from NBA back in 1985. It was reported that Russ Granik, then-NBA deputy commissioner, stressed to Nike’s marketing chief Rob Strasser that the shoes’ red and black design violated the uniform code.
Rumours were that Michael Jordan would be fined then-US$5000 per game when worn during a game. No evidence was reported of Nike paying a single fine.
Nike started a marketing campaign by claiming that the shoes were banned. A television commercial was aired with the marketing scheme featuring Michael Jordan dressed in black and red. However, Jordan was reported to have been wearing the shoes Air Ship during the 1984 preseason.
