Anticipation. That’s the key word what we’ve used ever since the announcement of the Air Jordan 28 & the 29. However the core focus here is now the 30th Anniversary of the Brand. And with that being said, we’re here to focus on the new Air Jordan 30.
There are lots of mixed reactions and it’s understandable due to the similarity in design between the Air Jordan 29 and Air Jordan 30. Some might even say that the 30 is simply an upgraded version of the 29 –the 29.5 SE. Suffice to say, regardless of the comments or reactions, the shoe is here to stay and it’s here to perform. According to Nike, the original design was scraped and Tinker had little time to come up with another design so he enlisted the help of Mark Smith. It’s weird to hear about that thought process because JB has been known to be two models ahead when creating designs and discovering or developing better enhancements and materials.
Jordan Brand has always been known as “the first” or “the outlandish ones” because it’s the brand that dares to step out of its comfort zone and is willing to take leaps and bounds to achieve greatness. Again, this is not me throwing shade or shots, nor is there anything to read into my opinion. I think somewhere along the lines we were hoping for a change in the design and visuals. But like Tinker said, there was nothing different about the III, IV, and V except their exteriors.
At the end of the day, the shoe has to fit the bill, perform for those 48+ minutes, and be able to come up with the win. I believe the notion of innovation and creativity is in everyone’s mind, but we’ll soon find out when I lace these bad boys up and ball in them on court. I’ll tell you this much, I can’t wait!
There many intricate details hidden within the shoe that I have yet to discover. However, I did notice some obvious details like the Jumpman logo on the toe box and that the performance woven material is more perforated on the Roman numeral XXX (30) — which is shaped to be like a basketball net. Additionally, there is a rubberized pattern on the insole that grips and prevents any shifting of a socked foot. Finally, the tongue logo has a white dot to mark Michael Jordan’s hometown of North Carolina.
I have no doubt in my mind that the Jordan 30 will perform on-par with the 29, if not better. I’m trying to remove my list of expectations, but it’s Jordan Brand. I’m expecting quality and the best from the “performance brand of excellence,” as the Air Jordan 12 and Team Jordan 2 tags read. I expect myself to #TakeFlight, even though my vertical is much higher in NBA2K than it is in real life. The Air Jordan 30 is set to release on February 12th at all local retailers, so make sure you keep it locked because we’ll be providing the links. Let us know what you think in the comment section.
it’s too bad that JB celebrates their 30th anniversary with a J29 SE. not saying that this shoe is bad, in fact I like it. it’s just too bad that JB didn’t have anything newly innovative or something that would blow our minds with a new shoe and not a rehash. to be honest, JB didn’t have an actual J30 released this year, just something that would keep customers interested enough not to jump ship as they are getting some really stiff competition from other brands. this is more like a damage control from JB. they would have been better off selling some re-issues of the J11 without being silly by not short-stocking them on purpose. it’s not like they would loose their value if they made them more available.
At the end of the day, regardless of the release, or how minimal modifications were made to create/innovate a shoe, it’s an extreme process. I can’t say whether or not it might have been a hiccup, but I think there are always speed bumps in the road when trying to create something. The disappointment relayed is due to the mental high expectation oneself has built up.
To me there might have been a bump in the road, but there is no doubt about if JB comes swinging, they’re in it for the knock out.
the expectation came with the JB line for what it is, so people aren’t really at fault on expecting from JB. I mean this is the first time that JB came up something that ain’t unique in it’s line from J1’s to 29’s. anyway, if there were hiccups, I could have chosen a better announcement or atleast delay the unveiling til the shoe is ready. the reveal and alibis during the announcement didn’t help at all and people could see that it was a poor excuse for not having anything. personally, I didn’t like the statements made in the J30 unveiling video that “if it’s not broke, don’t fix it”. I mean come on, the previous J’s can be even said the same and they even became the standard for J shoes, no matter what.
on the otherhand, I’m not ranting because I didn’t like the shoe, I’m ranting that JB even called it a J30, which I believe for others like me which came to love the JB line is a heresy.
I didn’t like these at first. After this closer look, These are pretty nice. Although I miss the heel zoom form the 28’s.
They feel and look much better in person. I felt like the original pics didn’t do it justice so I figure I take matters into my own hand and take pictures in different angles, resolutionm and proper lighting to give people a better perspective. A perspective of what people would want to see, but through my lens. Thanks for checking it out nate2!
I like the 29 was beast it’s hard to come up with better than the 29 even 28 they was consisted with trying to improve there models year to year Nike be raising prices every year for shoes that are performing worse then the previous year really atleast Jordan remastered nikes gonna raise the price whether their quality is better or not
Thanks for the details. I figured this would be the case of a bunch of small changes that’d presumably add up. PR went about the reinforced toe, traction pattern, collar, and slightly adjusted upper, but the rubber lining and Achilles padding are interesting touches.
It’s surely better looking than the 29, especially when the XXX is subdued in that other colorway leaked. Probably looks even better in person.
Curious to what you think of the possible change in lacing system. If I see right, they did without at least one pair of loops/eyelets compared to the 29 as the laces look like they spread wider long the length of the shoe.
Presumably probably not necessary for the extra lace loop due to the more tightly knit performance woven material and the way the knit the shoe all together. I have some struggle in some areas, but that’s just again me running around the house with them, but fact of the matter is, how they perform on court…we’ll find out soon.
I can’t seem to find the info so I will ask you about the tech in the heel. I know they got rid of Zoom Air but is there at least an Air capsule in the heel? Any reason why you think they got rid of Zoom Air in the heel? The only Jordans I have at home are the 4/11/12/14 so the newer stuff I am not familiar with but I do like Zoom Air responsiveness like the KD 7 for casual wear.
To answer your question Tom, Tinker said they removed Zoom Air in the heel, or Air cushion in general, because the players,likely their endorsed players, wearing them had no need for it.
For a something that wasn’t going to plan, having something like these for damage control, along with revisions and lowering the price, it’s something.
Nyjumpman23, look forward to your review of these and appreciate the process you and the Weartesters staff take.
Nguyen – No, I appreciate you and your support. Thank you.
Yeah, I’ve had some issues along the way, that’s why I’m taking long to do this review. I want to be thorough with the process before I can give my 100% insight on it. Thank you for your patience.
They could have at least dropped some carbon fiber on it. The XX8 had it everywhere. It would feel more premium. And also a heel zoom bag.
the 29 didn’t need heel zoom, but I preferably would like it doing to my age and my knees.
How would these work with lace up ankle braces? Thank
I would 1/2 to full size up. Best bet is to go to store w/ ankle brace and try on