Following Michael Jordan’s first NBA championship in 1991, all eyes were on what Tinker Hatfield and the Swoosh had in-store for his Airness in the upcoming season. The Air Jordan 7 was born and made history as the silhouette was at the forefront of the second of six NBA championships for Jordan as well as the iconic “Dream Team” gold medal run at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
For the first time in the Tinker Hatfield-led design era for the Air Jordan line, the signature shoe abandoned the traditional “Nike Air” heel branding that was introduced with the Air Jordan 3 and made its way onto the Air Jordan 6. The removal of the “Nike Air” heel branding wasn’t a sign of worry but rather a glimpse into a new era of performance, excellence, and cultural significance.
Three decades later and Jordan Brand looks to the Air Jordan 7 for inspiration while also bringing in design elements from Tinker Hatfield’s work outside of the Air Jordan line. While his Airness was dominating the NBA, Nike’s All Conditions Gear (ACG) line was in a league of its own. Silhouettes such as the ACG Air Mowabb and others took Nike’s signature technology and cutting edge designs to the great outdoors.
The upcoming Air Jordan 7 ‘Sapphire’ pays homage to the 1992 dominance of both the Air Jordan 7 and the ACG Air Mowabb. The latest colorway features translucent mesh panels for a more breathable component. A use of light, neutral brown unbuckle upper is paired with a warm pink hue and a contrasting cool blue for the perfect amount of clash. Additionally, a grey midsole features a speckled grey paint treatment, doubling down on the ACG inspiration.
The Air Jordan 7 ‘Sapphire’ releases in-store at 11 a.m. on April 16 for $210 on a first-come, first-serve basis at Manor Phoenix, located at the Uptown Plaza.
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