Jordan Brand is celebrating the 30th anniversary of Michael Jordan’s eighth signature sneaker, the Air Jordan 8. On that occasion, a special edition Jordan 8 ‘Playoff’ will be released soon as part of the brand’s Fall 2023 lineup. The 2023 edition of the popular sneaker is a nod to the history and legacy of the Jordan 8 silhouette and closely follows the original specifications from 1993.
Let’s take a closer looks at the iconic sneaker releasing this September:
Air Jordan 8 History
Three decades ago, Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls achieved the first of two consecutive championship three-peats in the history of the franchise. During that unforgettable series against the Phoenix Suns, Jordan sported the iconic “Playoffs” Air Jordan 8, which featured a signature black and red color scheme that had become synonymous with his postseason style. This memorable game marked a significant moment in Jordan’s career, as it propelled the Chicago Bulls to their first three consecutive NBA Championships and earned Jordan his third consecutive Finals MVP title.
The Air Jordan 8 sneaker is renowned for its unique and distinctive design elements that set it apart in the Jordan Brand lineup. It features a high-top silhouette that provides excellent ankle support and stability, making it a popular choice among basketball players. One of its standout features is the iconic cross-strap design that not only adds a bold aesthetic but also enhances the shoe’s lockdown fit. The shoe’s upper is often crafted from premium materials like nubuck or leather, ensuring durability and a luxurious feel. A chenille Jumpman logo on the tongue, along with embroidered “23” detailing, adds a touch of nostalgia and authenticity. The shoe’s cushioning is typically provided by encapsulated Air-Sole units in the midsole, offering responsive comfort during wear. Finally, the outsole features a multicolor design with a prominent Jumpman logo, adding a stylish and recognizable touch to this classic silhouette.
The Air Jordan 8 Playoffs were most recently released in 2013. Excitingly, this sought-after colorway of the iconic sneaker is set for a comeback in 2023. It’s a tribute to the shoes that Michael Jordan sported during Game 6 of the 1993 NBA Finals against the Phoenix Suns.
Jordan 8 ‘Playoff’ Design
Dressed in a color palette of Black, True Red, and White, this iteration of the Air Jordan 8 remains true to its original release. It retains the iconic graphic overlays on the mudguards and outsole, preserving the classic design elements. In a nod to the OG version, the shoe will sport Red pull tabs rather than the Black ones seen in previous retros.
Let’s take a look at the key design characteristics:
Premium Materials: The shoe is made from premium jet-black nubuck, which is a high-quality suede-like material, adding a touch of luxury to the design.
Chenille Branding: Chenille is a fabric often used for creating textured logos and patches. The use of chenille branding on the shoe likely adds a nostalgic touch, as this was a popular design element in the 1990s.
Graphic Liners: Graphic liners inside the shoe could feature designs or patterns that pay homage to the original release or other elements of Michael Jordan’s career.
Sidewall Graphic: The mention of a sidewall graphic returning is significant. It indicates that the shoe will have a design element on the side that has not been seen since 2013. This graphic might be a unique feature of this special edition.
Color Accents: The shoe appears to have bright red accents on the heel tab and the stitched “#23” on the shroud. Additionally, concord blue accents are mentioned for the tread, adding color contrast to the predominantly black design.
Jordan 8 ‘Playoff’ 2023 Release Date
The Playoff Jordan 8s are scheduled for release in a full range of family sizes on September 30th via the SNKRS app and at select Jordan retailers , with a retail price set at $210.
To stay informed about upcoming Air Jordan releases, you can regularly check our dedicated sneakers page. This will help you keep track of the latest Jordan Brand sneaker launches and ensure you don’t miss out on any exciting releases.
Air Jordan 8 Retro ‘Playoff’
Release Date: September 30, 2023
Color: Black / True Red
Style Code: 305381-062
Price: $210
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