From Zero to Zoom: Air Jordan 35

The 35 years of game-changing innovation that’s guided the history of Jordan Brand footwear includes taking the most valuable performance features on the court and making them even better for the world’s best players. Refining the most responsive cushioning platform in basketball, the Air Jordan XXXV taps the technology behind the Eclipse Plate and evolves it to help unlock Zoom Air for a more responsive feeling in the heel and forefoot.

In the Air Jordan XXXV, the Eclipse Plate 2.0 builds off its original form in the XXXIV to get the most efficient energy return out of those Zoom Air units. With reduction once again as the shoe’s guiding philosophy, the design is an example of performance and aesthetic innovation that remains at the core of Jordan Brand’s on-court presence.

“The Air Jordan signature shoe has and will always be the most important shoe we make each year,” says Craig Williams, President of Jordan Brand. “Basketball is where the Jordan Brand started, and it’s where we’ll continue to invest in and advance our never-ending pursuit of excellence on the court.”

What Defines the Air Jordan XXXV?

The herringbone traction pattern is a traditional yet best-in-class design, responding optimally to multidirectional footwork and giving athletes a superior first step and the ability to cut on a dime.

The upper features Flightwire, a Jordan-unique expression of traditional Flywire that is sleek, lightweight and keeps the foot locked down. There is a Kurim cage underneath the Flightwire to help provide extra support.

Like the stepwise evolution of the Flight Plate, the shoe’s evolution is a matter of degrees. First, the Eclipse Plate 2.0 system wraps up higher along the midsole to help improve the lateral structure and support.

Also new: a visible Zoom Air unit in the heel, compared to the encased hex Zoom heel unit in the Air Jordan XXXIV. The exposed nature of the Zoom units provides space for the bags to expand, and subsequently, to contract back when making cuts, sprinting and jumping.

The herringbone traction pattern is a traditional yet best-in-class design, responding optimally to multidirectional footwork and giving athletes a superior first step and the ability to cut on a dime.

The upper features Flightwire, a Jordan-unique expression of traditional Flywire that is sleek, lightweight and keeps the foot locked down. There is a Kurim cage underneath the Flightwire to help provide extra support.

Like the stepwise evolution of the Flight Plate, the shoe’s evolution is a matter of degrees. First, the Eclipse Plate 2.0 system wraps up higher along the midsole to help improve the lateral structure and support.

Also new: a visible Zoom Air unit in the heel, compared to the encased hex Zoom heel unit in the Air Jordan XXXIV. The exposed nature of the Zoom units provides space for the bags to expand, and subsequently, to contract back when making cuts, sprinting and jumping.

While the shoe’s visual identity is fixed on the Eclipse Plate 2.0, other visual details link the silhouette back to Jordan Brand tradition, specifically the Air Jordan V, with its tongue top design and its Kurim detailing and molded foam pods around the collar of the shoe. Jordan Brand athletes and consumers asked to bring back suedes and other premium materials that the brand historically established on the court. Interpretations of leather and suedes and other handmade touches point back to the Jordan Brand language of luxury, but done with functional purpose for the final product.

“Integrating premium materials and textures was a priority for the Air Jordan XXXV,” says Tate Kuerbis, Jordan Brand footwear designer. “The brand has a history of giving these materials an aspirational quality. When players see it, when they touch it, they feel like they have the power of the Jumpman behind them. Everything we do has to tie back to making the best basketball shoe on the planet.”

What Jordan Brand athletes say about the Air Jordan XXXV

“I feel so athletic in the new Eclipse Plate. I can feel it especially when I get into the lane — to be able to plant, go up, create contact and finish. Every time I get a board, I want to tell my teammates, ‘You saw my bounce, right?’” — Kia Nurse, guard for the New York Liberty

“The XXXV is comfortable, supportive and lightweight, to the point that I don’t even feel like I’m wearing it. I can play my style without even thinking about it. I was shocked that Jordan could take the Eclipse Plate in the XXXIV and upgrade it in the XXXV.” — Jayson Tatum, forward for the Boston Celtics

“I’m always using change of speed to set up the offense, and on defense, I need to react quickly. The herringbone traction helps me be fast on my feet.” — Guo Ailun, guard for the China Men’s National Basketball Team

“The 35s feel broken in right out of the box. I love the fit around my ankle and how comfortable they are.” — Rui Hachimura, forward for the Washington Wizards

Behind the Colorways

Designed for Zion Williamson, the Bayou Boys colorway alludes to the vibrant diversity of New Orleans and includes crackled faux-gator leather, a marbled plate and a gum bottom. The colorway releases November 30.

The Morpho colorway is meant to symbolize the effortless grace of a butterfly, referencing Chinese guard Guo Ailun’s smooth playing style. The colorway releases beginning December 24 in Greater China.

The Warrior colorway draws inspiration from Jordan Brand athlete Rui Hachimura’s identity and a Kanji-inspired samurai logo, designed by his mother in honor of his family’s name and warrior spirit on the court. The colorway releases October 21.

Designed for Zion Williamson, the Bayou Boys colorway alludes to the vibrant diversity of New Orleans and includes crackled faux-gator leather, a marbled plate and a gum bottom. The colorway releases November 30.

The Center of Gravity colorway of the Air Jordan XXXV releases in China September 27 at jordan.com and select retailers. It releases globally October 17.