Who should buy the Air Jordan XXXI

It has been over three decades when the original Anti-Gravity machines were released. Paying homage to the iconic AJ 1, the Air Jordan XXXI realizes three decades of innovation. Pure, minimal, and raw; the new Air Jordan is a reflection of the original.

Mixing tradition and innovation, the AJ XXXI is molded after the silhouette of the first Air Jordan and fitted with updated technology. You'd be up for this pair if:

  • You're an Air Jordan follower over the years and have proven its performance and delivery to you.
  • You're a newbie and would want a pair of iconic and legendary Jordans to experience its technology and on- and off-court capabilities.

Air Jordan XXXI logo top

Impressive technologies of Air Jordan XXXI

One of Michael Jordan’s favorite features of the AJ 1 is its low-to-the-ground profile. The Air Jordan XXXI replicates this by placing a FlightSpeed plate on top of a full-length Zoom Air bag. The FlightSpeed plate supports the entire foot while the full-length Zoom Air bag provides cushioning without raising the shoe’s profile.

Air Jordan XXXI cushioning mid

FlightSpeed technology evenly distributes the compression force of the foot over the full-length Zoom Air unit, maximizing its spring-back response and allowing explosive steps to blow by your defenders.

Air Jordan XXXI cushioning front

This low-profile cushioning setup eliminates wasted motion and provides enhanced court feel, responsiveness, and lateral support.

Strong traction capability

The outsole is made of translucent rubber that delivers quality traction on a variety of surfaces. It features a herringbone pattern which allows a multidirectional grip that minimizes slips, enabling you to make quick cuts on the court.

Air Jordan XXXI outsole

Air Jordan's precise lockdown system

The lace system utilizes Flywire technology that supports a locked-in fit. These strong filaments are strategically placed to wrap the midfoot and provide support precisely where it is needed.

Air Jordan XXXI lacing system

The high-cut collar features six anatomical pods that grip the ankle and deliver maximum containment. An inner sleeve wraps the foot, promoting a personalized fit while a leather heel counter provides locked-down support.

Air Jordan XXXI collar

High-quality, powerful material

The Air Jordan 1 was a traditional leather basketball shoe. Now, knit and woven have become performance standards. The idea for the Air Jordan 31 is to combine the best features of each material. The shoe’s one-piece Flyweave and leather upper are the first of its kind.

Air Jordan XXXI upper mid

Flexible Flyweave in the forefoot transitions seamlessly to a supportive synthetic leather in the heel. This one-piece upper allows your foot to move naturally while keeping it contained during quick cuts and transitions.

Air Jordan XXXI forefoot

Iconic style of Air Jordan 31

Drawing inspiration from the first Air Jordan’s high-top silhouette, the Air Jordan 31’s upper includes several iconic Jordan elements. The original Air Jordan Wings logo and Nike Swoosh (not seen since the AJ 1) is reintroduced, and for the first time, the Jumpman and Swoosh appear alongside one another.

Air Jordan XXXI logo air

The Air Jordan 1 featured a prominent Nike swoosh, but the Jumpman logo soon became iconic, and the swoosh was phased out. With Jordan’s blessing, the Swoosh intentionally fades into the famous Jumpman logo as a new-model nod to the original Air Jordan.

Air Jordan XXXI logo swoosh

The Air Jordan XXXI seeks to push the envelope as a hybrid on-court/off-court sneaker; lightweight support for the world’s highest-flying athletes, and rich material details that exude off-court sensibility.

Facts / Specs

Weight: 16oz
Top: High
Signature: Michael Jordan
Lockdown: Lace-Up
Collection: Air Jordan
Features: Ankle support
Colorways: Blue / Red / Black / Orange / Grey / White

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Author
Dimitrije Curcic
Dimitrije Curcic

Dimitrije Curcic has been playing basketball for over 22 years. Like Manu Ginobili, he’s a left-hander whose moves led him to a better career-shooting percentage than the Argentine himself. After playing professionally for 10 years, Dimitrije moved to coaching for two seasons before he became a basketball statistician for StatScore, and FanSided contributor for the San Antonio Spurs. Dimitrije loves to tell hoop stories through numbers and graphics and has been featured on Fansided, FiveThirtyEight, Eurohoops, and TalkBasket among the others.