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The AIR JORDAN 2009 : Jordan Brand Unveil the Future of the Brand
BEAVERTON, OR (January 8, 2009) – Since the release of the AIR JORDAN XX3 in January 2008, the sneaker world debated the greatest question ever asked of a basketball shoe: will there be an AIR JORDAN XX4? Meanwhile, Jordan Brand, a division of NIKE, Inc. and creator of the legendary franchise, fueled the fire by admitting nothing…until now.
Today, at a press event in New York City, Michael Jordan himself unveiled the AIR JORDAN 2009 shoe. Its sophisticated design carries on the tradition of the world’s most respected basketball shoe while presenting a new naming scheme, retiring the labels “AIR JORDAN I through XX3” to keep Michael Jordan’s legacy special.
"Throughout the first 23 years of the AIR JORDAN franchise, we challenged ourselves and the industry by producing athletic footwear beyond the limits of what was possible," said Michael Jordan. "The AIR JORDAN 2009 ushers in a new chapter for the Brand – it is the embodiment of what we can do and sets the course for the next 23 years for the franchise."
Michael Jordan collaborated with Jason Mayden, Jordan Brand’s Senior Footwear Designer, to create the AIR JORDAN 2009. The shoe combines new cutting-edge performance technology with innovative style, adhering to the Nike Considered Design ethos of environmentally-preferred shoe development and construction. Providing the most elite experience in basketball performance and style, the AIR JORDAN 2009 stays in line with the franchise’s history, yet the design clearly exhibits a forward-thinking approach.
“When designing the AIR JORDAN 2009, I wanted to take the shoe beyond expected limits of what consumers know from the franchise and create something ahead of its time,” said Jason Mayden. "Its futuristic technology and design elements will help propel Jordan Brand towards even greater levels of innovation and style as it delivers the best performance shoe available today."
The AIR JORDAN 2009 incorporates a new, innovative technology in basketball footwear called Articulated Propulsion Technology, or APT. The carbon fiber prosthetic running technology used by Paralympians such as April Holmes, a Team Jordan track and field athlete and the world record holder in the 100, 200 and 400-meter races, inspired designers to incorporate those elements into the shoe and results in its futuristic look. Following the same basic form as the prosthesis Holmes wore during her gold medal 100-meter race for the 2008 Paralympic Games, the AIR JORDAN 2009’s APT allows the athlete to explosively and quickly propel forward on the court.
Team Jordan athlete : April Holmes
In addition to its performance technology platform, the AIR JORDAN 2009’s modern design elements offer a bold style statement by incorporating satin pleats and polishable dress-shoe-like panache leather, the first AIR JORDAN to utilize these luxurious design elements. A diamond-shaped hologram references the authenticity of the AIR JORDAN franchise while another distinguishing factor is the midsole’s thermo plastic urethane chassis. Created with a special injection process, the chassis features a blown-glass-inspired pattern that is unique to every shoe, making each pair a unique, one-of-one limited edition collection.
“Last year was an important year for Jordan Brand as we celebrated the 23rd anniversary of the AIR JORDAN franchise,” said Keith Houlemard, Jordan Brand President. “The AIR JORDAN 2009 represents the first of the next 23 years, and we are excited about the future of both the franchise and the Brand.”
The first AIR JORDAN released in 1985 to great acclaim during Michael Jordan’s rookie basketball season and despite the league initially banning the shoe for violating uniform rules, the shoe immediately became the industry’s best selling basketball sneaker and an instant classic. Over the next 23 years, the AIR JORDAN collection continued to push the envelope in footwear design, solidifying itself as one of the world’s most recognizable franchises. Consumers recognize AIR JORDAN for the signature Jumpman logo, pioneering technology in basketball footwear and forward-thinking fashion—characteristics that the AIR JORDAN 2009 embodies as it moves the franchise into the future.
An exclusive limited release AIR JORDAN 2009 launches on Saturday, January 31, 2009 with a suggested retail price of $230. The first nationwide launch coincides with All-Star Weekend, releasing on Saturday, February 14, 2009 with a suggested retail price of $190.
In designing the Air Jordan 2009, Jordan Brand designer Jason Mayden used the sport of Fencing as the inspiration and philosophy for the shoes overall design. Both Michael Jordan and Jason Mayden agree that the art of Fencing can be compared to the battle on the court where both athlete require quick moves, quick attacks and quick defense. With that in mind, much of the sneaker takes inspiration from the uniforms of Fencing athletes and the technology is inspired by both the art of fencing and basketball.
AIR JORDAN 2009
The all new AIR JORDAN 2009 shoe is born from the inspiration of Michael Jordan’s unstoppable will. When Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team, he was driven to practice harder and longer and earned a spot on an All-American Team his senior year. When critics scoffed at his return from retirement in 1995, Jordan quieted his opponents by leading the Bulls to their second Championship three-peat. Jordan does not back down from challenges – he rises.
Pioneered from this philosophy, AIR JORDAN returns and presents the world with the answer to the Jordan Brand’s challenge of creating the most original basketball shoe on the planet. The AIR JORDAN 2009 honors the franchise’s tradition of innovation through its cutting-edge technology features. The shoe introduces Articulated Propulsion Technology (APT), a revolutionary heel system inspired by the carbon fiber prosthetics used by Paralympians and developed to allow an explosive forward movement. The heel is also split, which ensures superior responsiveness by keeping at least one half of the heel in contact with the ground at all times.
AIR JORDAN 2009 Performance Features
Upper
• Overall design contours the foot and allows for superior responsiveness, quick reaction time and maximum support.
• Pleating on the satin upper reinforces the durable construction and molds to the foot for a secure lockdown.
• Foam inserts in the heel provide further lockdown by hugging the Achilles tendon.
• Injected dot grip on the outer heel makes pulling on the shoe easy and effortless.
• Moisture-wicking, breathable liner ensures comfort and stability.
AIR JORDAN 2009 Performance Features
Midsole/Outsole
• Heel employs cutting-edge Articulated Propulsion Technology (APT) that allows the athlete to explosively and quickly propel forward.
• Split in heel ensures outstanding responsiveness by allowing one side of the heel to react to lateral movement while the opposite side maintains contact with the ground.
• Carbon fiber plate in the arch provides support and compliments the heel’s performance enhancing design.
• TPU (Thermo Plastic Urethane) chassis offers additional structural support.
• Articulated forefoot Zoom Air unit cushions foot to maximize comfort.
• Outsole grooves flex naturally with the grooves of the foot for exceptional traction.
• Multi-directional herringbone patterns grip the court for optimal movement.
AIR JORDAN 2009 Design Features
• Blown-glass-inspired TPU chassis is unique in every shoe, creating a one-of-one limited edition collection.
• Polishable panache leather and white satin pleating on upper nod to Michael Jordan’s ability to be both a gentleman and a fierce on-court competitor.
• Strategically placed stitching reinforces construction while offering high-end European-style aesthetic.
• Stitching on upper is sewn in two rows and three rows to represent #23.
• Metal mesh implies the sport of fencing, known for its exceptional defensive element.
• Heel detail references Michael Jordan’s statue in front of the Chicago Bulls’ United Center: The left shoe reads “Greatest there ever was,” and the right, “Greatest there ever will be.”
Considered Design
• AIR JORDAN 2009 is Jordan Brand’s second basketball shoe designed under the Considered Design ethos.
• AIR JORDAN 2009 shoe’s design and development seek to reduce waste by using smarter pattern-efficiency and the compression molded pre-form process in the midsole.
• AIR JORDAN 2009 maximizes the use of environmentally-preferred materials, such as Prime Asia leather and environmentally-preferred rubber.
• The design emphasizes repurposed materials, including reground rubber from footwear manufacturing waste.
Jason Mayden is Senior Footwear Designer for Jordan Brand, and the creative and technical mastermind behind the AIR JORDAN 2009. He oversees the design of current and future innovation footwear platforms—cushioning, traction, upper design, footwear construction, detail execution, material finish and material selection. As a Chicago native, Mayden grew up during the Michael Jordan era and loved watching MJ play in his hometown. He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts from the College of Creative Studies in Detroit, Michigan.
Video : Air Jordan 2009 with Designer Jason Mayden
Last edited by jumpman23 : 2009-01-09 at 11:53 PM.