Who knew that Slam Dunk was so clairvoyant?  It seemed harmless at the time, but this clip perfectly illustrates the current state of sneaker culture 20 years prior.  Or at least the culture that the internet likes to perpetuate…

When talked about in the context of greatest manga series of all-time, Slam Dunk is among the elite tier, praised for its cultural impact in Japan (the series is credited with helping popularize the game of basketball in Japan during the 1990s).  While Slam Dunk might not have had the crossover success in the U.S. on the level of a Dragon Ball or Naruto, it retains a loyal fan base that includes more than a fair share of sneakerheads.  How could you not love a series that uses basketball as the crux of a multi-layered story of love, friendship and drama?  Oh, and the main character Hanamichi Sakuragi wears Air Jordan 6s and 1s through most of his uh, career.

Apparently, somebody at Jordan Brand was a fan of Slam Dunk because in 2014 they released an eponymous Air Jordan 6 in limited quantities.  The red upper features reflective detailing that show off a collage of characters and scenes from the manga while Sakuragi’s jersey number can be found embroidered in the ankle area where you might have seen #23 in the past.  We harp about how sometimes new releases come with loosely related stories that don’t really having anything to do with the shoe, but credit goes to Jordan Brand for actually making “storytelling” mean something in this case.

The Air Jordan 6 “Slam Dunk” comes from a pure place.  Sure, it always surprised me that Nike never took legal action and shut down series creator Takehiko Inoue for using their kicks (and other brands for that matter), but it ended being a fun footnote in the history of one of the most beloved and historically significant sneakers ever made.  Those are the type of stories that Jordan Brand should be chasing; genuine moments that actually touched people and furthered their love of the brand even when they had no idea what a “brand” was. Take the Dunk From Above Air Jordan 4 and Air Jordan 5 Low that still sits on stores to this day. Their inspiration is taken from Michael Jordan’s ability to take flight or something. Great, we know MJ can “fly” but what about those shoes say MJ can fly. On the other side of the storytelling spectrum are releases like the underrated Air Jordan 7 Sweater or the Air Jordan XX3 that are deep cuts in Jordan’s personal history. Obscure to be sure, but definitely real connection.

The post Sneakers In 4K Retro: An Appreciation For The Air Jordan 6 Slam Dunk (Video) appeared first on KicksOnFire.com.

The Air Jordan 14 Indiglo will be making its arrival this weekend, as the OG colorway was first introduced back in 1999.

With this pair essentially a remastered take, black leather and durabuck comprises its build, as the defining tone is prominent on its signature shield logo along the collar, portion of the heel tab and branding of its tongue, alongside the miniature Jumpman on the toe box.

All adhered atop a clean white outsole unit, the retail price is listed at $190, while GS sizes will be offered and priced at $140. Look for it at JB and Nike stockists starting Saturday, August 13th.

Click and bookmark our official Air Jordan 14 Indigo (2016) launch page now for even more images, info and release details.

Images: gc911

Author’s Take

I never really liked the silhouette much before, but, I think it?s growing on me since I?ve also grown older, haha. This colorway is appealing and classic. It should get the attention it deserves.

The post The Air Jordan 14 Indiglo Is Releasing Soon appeared first on KicksOnFire.com.

Another closer look at this luxe iteration of the Air Jordan 11 Low is featured, as this particular pair commemorates the ongoing 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Set to celebrate the closing ceremony of the international sporting event, which will be held in the iconic Maracanã Stadium that is scheduled for Sunday, August 21st — the low-top is essentially covered with the defining theme which encompasses the upper, while premium white leather is utilized for the reminder of its composition. Contrasting accents of black grace the inner lining and tongue, as it?s rounded out with a crisp white midsole unit and icy translucent outsole.

Priced at $170, you can find this pair at select Nike and JB retailers starting Saturday, August 27th.

Click and bookmark our official Air Jordan 11 Low Metallic Gold (Closing Ceremony) launch page now for even more imagery, info and release details.

Images: eBay

Author’s Take

I?m not that really into the silhouette in a low-cut profile aside from the recent varsity red and navy/gum colorways, but, I like this style even more in this finish. I also like how leather is applied on the upper.

The post The Air Jordan 11 Low Closing Ceremony Drops This Month appeared first on KicksOnFire.com.

More imagery of the Air Jordan 12 GS Barons is presented, as it consists as the silhouette?s newest grade school variation this summer.

Flaunting a traditional palette of white/grey, the makeup is also reminiscent of MJ?s days with the Birmingham Barons in 1994, which is essentially a minor league baseball team and Double-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox major-league club. Pops of black are notably evident on the miniature branded side panels, upper eyelets, tongue, heel tabs and branding on the rear to solidify its overall colorway.

Priced at $140 (4.5y – 9.5y) — Pre-school (10.5c – 3y) and Toddler (3c – 10c) sizes will be offered as well and retail for $80 and $60 respectively.

Fans can purchase a pair at select Nike and JB retailers starting this Saturday, August 13th.

Click and bookmark our official Air Jordan 12 GS Barons launch page now for more images, info and release details.

Images: SneakerbistroNY

Author’s Take

I?m a fan of the silhouette and especially in this colorway. This offering is a nice exclusive pair for the young ones.

The post The Air Jordan 12 GS Barons Will Also Come In Toddler & Pre-School Sizes appeared first on KicksOnFire.com.

Last offered in a smoky finish, the Jordan Reveal Premium is introduced in its latest colorway this season.

Flaunting the same smoke-like detail across its breathable mesh upper, the model’s entire palette is dominated by wolf grey, while accents of orange located on the eyelets, branding on the tongue and heel, in addition to speckling on the midsole unit pronounces its understated design to create an aesthetically pleasing colorway.

Retailing for $130, you can purchase this latest pair at select Nike and JB stockists nationwide now.

Images: Sneaker Politics

Author’s Take

I?m not really tempted in purchasing this silhouette, but this iteration is pretty appealing. It?s a versatile design and nice for the season.

The post Orange Highlights The Latest Jordan Reveal PRM appeared first on KicksOnFire.com.

The Air Jordan 1 Ultra High in Pure Platinum is set to make its debut this weekend, as this particular take of the iconic basketball sneaker strays from its traditional leather composition.

Reconstructed with a weather-resistant upper in the defining hue, the model also inherits a black inner bootie construction that offers more support. The modernized design is further detailed with the iconic wings logo on the ankle portion and recognizable Swooshes across its side panels.

Topped off with a full-length white rubber sole unit, you can purchase a pair at select JB and Nike stockists starting August 13 for a price tag of $150.

Images: RCK

Author’s Take

I?m not into high-cut silhouettes much, but, this offering is pretty solid. The build and inner bootie construction looks great, and the colorway is versatile overall.

The post Get Ready For The Air Jordan 1 Ultra High Pure Platinum appeared first on KicksOnFire.com.

The Team USA Basketball team will play in their third preliminary game today at the 2016 Rio Olympics as they face off against Australia. Jordan Brand is releasing a patriotic colorway of the Air Jordan 31 to help you cheer on Team USA.

The Air Jordan 31 USA began arriving at select retailers today with a wider release coming this weekend, August 13th. As you may already know, the Air Jordan 31 features a Flyweave upper that shifts to leather on the heel. This colorway comes in White with University Red and Deep Royal Blue completing the USA theme.

Are you liking this USA colorway of the Air Jordan 31? Look for it at select retailers now with a wider availability coming on August 13th. Retail price is set at $185. Click and bookmark our official Air Jordan 31 USA launch page now for the latest images, release details and more.

via: Sneaker Politics

Author’s Take

Nike/Jordan Brand continues to release great USA-themed sneakers this year with Air Jordan 31 being another one we can add to the list. The only thing stopping me from buying this shoe is the white Flyweave material since it’s so hard to keep clean.

The post Get Patriotic This Summer With The Air Jordan 31 USA appeared first on KicksOnFire.com.

Back for the first time since 99!

The OG Indiglo colorway of the Air Jordan 14 will be making its first return since its original debut 17 years ago. This clean and classic colorway of the Air Jordan 14 comes dressed in a predominantly Black upper that’s done in a combination of tumbled leather and durabuck. Hits of White and Vivid Green break up the monotony and add some flair to this colorway.

The Air Jordan 14 Indiglo will retail for $190 for men and $140 for GS sizes beginning on August 13th.

Click and bookmark our official Air Jordan 14 Indigo (2016) launch page now for even more images, info and release details.

via: The Closet Inc

Author’s Take

It?s always cool to see an OG colorway of any Air Jordan make a return but I?m not really a fan of the 14 so these will be a pass for me.

The post On-Feet Look At The Air Jordan 14 Indiglo appeared first on KicksOnFire.com.

Being a member of Jordan Brand has its perks, such as being able to have certain sneakers that nobody else in the world can get their hands on.

Kawhi Leonard is one of the biggest names on the Jordan Brand team right now and he was recently spotted wearing one of the craziest Jordan retros ever. In the image above Leonard is seen wearing an all-gold colorway of the Air Jordan 12. The shoe feature a metallic gold upper with black accents and a translucent outsole. There’s no doubt that these are FIRE! Let’s not get too excited though because the possibility of these ever hitting retailers is probably very very slim.

What are your thoughts on this colorway of the Air Jordan 12? Would you cop if they ever did hit retailers?

via: AirlessJordan

Author’s Take

These look beautiful! However I don’t think I would actually wear these, I’d probably have them up on display.

The post Golden Child: Kawhi Leonard Seen Wearing An All-Gold Air Jordan 12 appeared first on KicksOnFire.com.

The Jordan Eclipse will be getting a major face-lift courtesy of the good people over at SoleFly.

Jordan Brand has decided to collaborate with the Miami sneaker shop to create two new woven versions of the lifestyle sneaker. The colorways that will be offered include Arctic Orange and Desert Orange. Both sneakers will be releasing this upcoming Saturday, August 13th, for $200 each. Each pair will also be extremely limited to only 250 pairs. If you live in the South Miami area and would like to grab a pair then you can head over to SoleFly’s website for detailed launch information.

via: SoleFly

Author’s Take

Hands down my favorite colorways of the Jordan Eclipse so far. The woven upper was a great idea and gives the shoe a new luxurious look.

The post A Closer Look At The SoleFly x Jordan Eclipse Collection appeared first on KicksOnFire.com.

Michael Jordan has donated $5 million to the National Museum of African American History. Jordan has been in the press lately for his statements regarding violence against African Americans and police and donated millions to supporting organizations.

The gift to the 19th Smithsonian museum is the largest from a professional sports figure. Jordan’s contribution will join his own no.23 Chicago Bulls jersey that’s displayed in the museum. It was the jersey that he wore during the 1996 NBA Finals against the Seattle Supersonics, where the Bulls won an at the time historic 72 wins in the regular season.

?I am grateful for the opportunity to support this museum,? Jordan said in a released statement. ?I also am indebted to the historic contributions of community leaders and athletes such as Jesse Owens, whose talent, commitment and perseverance broke racial barriers and laid the groundwork for the successful careers of so many African Americans in athletics and beyond.?

Read the rest of Michael Jordan Donates $5 Million To National Museum Of African American History And Culture

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The post Michael Jordan Donates $5 Million To National Museum Of African American History And Culture appeared first on Sneaker News.

The Air Jordan 12 GS Barons will be the latest edition of the silhouette’s grade school variation this summer, as the distinctive palette is reminiscent of MJ?s days with the Birmingham Barons in 1994, which is essentially a minor league baseball team and Double-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox major-league club.

Comprised of premium leather, the sneaker flaunts a traditional palette of white/grey, while it’s pronounced with pops of black notably evident on the upper eyelets, side panels, tongue, heel tabs and branding on the rear.

Priced at $140, fans can purchase a pair at select Nike and JB retailers starting Saturday, August 13th.

Click and bookmark our official Air Jordan 12 GS Barons launch page now for more images, info and release details.

Images: gc911

Author’s Take

I?m a fan of the silhouette and especially in this colorway. This offering is a nice exclusive pair for the young ones.

The post The Air Jordan 12 GS Barons Arrives In A Few Days appeared first on KicksOnFire.com.

Another look at the upcoming Air Jordan 1 Ultra High Pure Platinum is featured, as this revamped take of the iconic basketball sneaker is arriving in a few more days.

Straying from its traditional leather composition, the model inherits a weather-resistant upper in the pristine-like hue, while it also bears a black inner bootie construction that offers more support. The modernized, sleek design is further detailed with the recognizable Swooshes across its side panels and iconic wings logo on the ankle portion.

All adhered atop a full-length white rubber sole unit, you can find this pair at select Nike and JB retailers starting August 13 for a retail price tag of $150.

Images: Renarts

Author’s Take

I?m not into high-cut silhouettes much, but, this offering is pretty solid. The build and inner bootie construction looks great, and the colorway is versatile overall.

The post The Air Jordan 1 Ultra High Pure Platinum Also Drops This Weekend appeared first on KicksOnFire.com.

While we’re just over three months away from the arrival of the 2016 True Blue Air Jordan 3, more images of the favorable silhouette continue to surface online.

Previously offered back in 2011, this upcoming pair is essentially a remastered take of its OG counterpart. White tumbled leather comprises the upper, in addition to the distinctive cement grey detailing that is prominent on the toe cap, eye stays and heel. The defining hue graces the midsole and inner lining, while pops of red grace the tongue, outsole and eyelets. Finally, the classic ?Nike Air? branding adorns the insoles and back heel tab to round out its overall makeup.

Priced at $220, you can purchase this standout pair at select Nike and JB retailers starting Black Friday, November 25th.

Click and bookmark our official Air Jordan 3 OG 88 True Blue (Black Friday 2016) launch page now for more images, info and release details.

Images: 2muchsol3

Author’s Take

You can?t go wrong with a classic, especially this silhouette. I?m biased and I?m just glad it?s being revived again.

The post The Air Jordan 3 OG 88 True Blue Returns On Black Friday appeared first on KicksOnFire.com.

Additional imagery of the upcoming Air Jordan 31 Rio (Green Abyss) is provided, as the model is set to make its debut in a couple of more days.

Essentially paying tribute to the host nation of the 2016 Summer Olympics, the basketball sneaker is treated in Brazil’s signature colors with ghost green and green abyss covering its flyweave and synthetic leather upper. Juxtaposed nicely against a clean white midsole unit and icy translucent outsole, the model is topped off with an enlarged Jumpman branding on the heel, alongside more branding on the tongue and bottom.

Retailing for $185, you can purchase a pair at select Nike and Jordan Brand retailers nationwide starting Friday, August 12th.

Author’s Take

I?m not really against the shoe?s design. I?m a fan of the simple makeup but the large Jumpman bothers me a bit. This is a nice commemorative colorway though for the host country though.

The post Look For The Air Jordan 31 Rio At The End Of This Week appeared first on KicksOnFire.com.