Awake NY, known for its innovative and trendsetting designs, has recently collaborated with Nike to reimagine the Jordan Air Ship, a classic sneaker with a rich history in basketball culture. This collaboration was first unveiled in a unique fashion, with the sneakers hanging from the ceiling of Awake NY’s new flagship store in New York City’s Lower East Side.
The famous basketball shoe, was first designed by Bruce Kilgore in 1984 and worn by Michael Jordan in his inaugural NBA season. The exclusive Awake NY edition of the Jordan Air Ship showcases a White/Sail leather upper, with distinct Gym Red and Game Royal accents on the right and left shoes, respectively. These are complemented by snakeskin detailing around the collar. The design is further enhanced by Metallic Silver Swooshes and the distinctive “A” logo of Awake NY on an aged midsole, along with a semi-translucent outsole. The shoe also comes with a metal Jumpman hangtag.
One of the interesting details of this collaboration is the inclusion of the Air Jordan Wings logo on the lateral ankle collar, a feature typically seen on the Air Jordan 1 rather than the Air Ship. This design choice serves as a homage to the Air Ship’s place in sneaker history, as it was the first model Michael Jordan wore in the NBA, before the release of the Air Jordan 1.
Adding to the anticipation, Hugo Mendoza, brand director of Awake NY, wore a collaborative Awake x Jordan Brand varsity jacket during the 2024 Jordan Retro Preview on SNKRS Live. This appearance confirmed an upcoming collaboration between Awake NY and Jordan Brand set for 2024. While specific details of the collaboration are still under wraps, it is speculated that the project may include the release of the Awake NY x Nike Air Ship.
