Leaked photos of a Flyknit build of the Air Jordan 1 surfaced online this weekend but we want to ask you the question, does it work?
We all know that both Nike and Jordan Brand love utilizing “new” tech in their “old” silhouettes and while that idea sounds great on paper, it’s proven to be a difficult balance between gimmick and innovation.
The Air Jordan 1 is arguably the model that has been experimented with the most in the entire Air Jordan line; multiple versions and alterations have been made to the classic silhouette since its original release in 1985. With knitted uppers being all the craze in 2017, it looks like a Flyknit version of the Air Jordan 1 is on the horizon.
Based on these leaked photos, the entire upper seems to be constructed of the popular Flyknit material with premium leather accents being utilized in the collar and tongue areas. The tongue also features a metallic gold tag that celebrates the Air Jordan 1’s original launch year of 1985.
It’s pretty much a straight forward application of flyknit on an Air Jordan 1, but does it work? Here’s what we think about them:
Jordan Wong – @TheWongKicks
“It looks like a knitted sweater from grandma.”
Bryan Hinkle – @Duke4005
“It looks unfinished. If you are going to use modern materials for the upper, modernize the whole thing – Zoom Midsole, Flywire lacing. Right now they look unfinished and unnecessary.”
Jarron Ramos – @JAHRONMON
“I feel like this could’ve worked, but for some reason, it doesn’t. The knit isn’t tight enough, the leather overlays seem forced and out of place. It probably would have been better off with a one-piece upper that uses a tighter and more refined weave.”
Chris Chase – @Nightwing2303
“They need to use the same performance woven they had in the Air Jordan 29/Air Jordan 1 pack. This just looks unrefined.”
Stanley Tse – @tsestanley23
“Execution is lackluster and undesirable. They were able to make the Air Jordan 1 look complete in the MTM Pack. Why couldn’t they do that here? These make me wish it was a concept used as inspiration for something much better.”
Noah Goldowitz – @noahgoldowitz
‘While I think it’s great Jordan Brand has finally decided to update the silhouette, I just don’t care anymore. Other brands are doing INNOVATIVE things — this, like the VaporMax, isn’t innovative. It’s the same stuff, over and over and over again.”
Those were just our thoughts but we’d love to hear what you think about the Air Jordan 1 ‘Flyknit’ in the comments section below or on social media with the #WearTesters.
Pricing and release information have yet to be announced at this time but as soon we gather any additional information we’ll keep you posted.
Images via: CEELEE550
I like the idea of a flyknit Jordan 1. Just like how Nike put Flyknit on the Air Force 1, the Jordan 1 would be lighter, more airy, and could be more comfortable. However, I agree with everyone here, I think the knit isn’t close enough together. I hope these photos are just prototypes and not the final product. I don’t like how the Wings logo looks, maybe it could have been integrated in the flyknit better or even fused on vs. a 3d type logo.
Im glad as hell no one likes them cause i really dig these hopefully an easy cop.
Isn’t the pricetag $200… JB/Nike is up to their tricks again.
*up to their old tricks
Jordans have been sitting lately, and this will sit hard because it ain’t an original. Also cuz its ugly. If you want them wait for the $50 outlet fire sale.
Looks awful to be completely honest. Considering that the AF1 Flyknit actually looks pretty good, its amazing how wrong they got it here with the AJ1.
They look like Christmas socks!Awful!
If the red panels on the rear were full premium leather overlays and they clean up / tighten the red toebox knit, these would be decent. Add cored out phylon or full zoom or both these would be heat.
I agree, not only does it look unfinished, but its also just the same thing. make it lighter with a zoom mid sole and flyknit upper but keep the same classic look. make it look like nothing has changed