Zion Williamson's Debut Jordan Sneaker Is Made for a Real-Life Superhero
Brand: Jordan Brand
Model: Zion 1
Release Date: April 23
Price: $120
Buy: Nike
What We’re Saying: For years, basketball fans have known Zion Williamson would one day get his own signature shoe. And after signing with Jordan Brand in 2019, the time has finally come, as today we get our first official look at the Zion 1.
Williamson is now in rarified air (pun intended), joining Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, and Russell Westbrook as the only active NBA players to have their own Jordan Brand shoe. He is also the first Gen-Z athlete in Jordan Brand history, paving the way for a new generation of hoopers to follow.
Zion's first signature shoe with Jordan Brand was created for "the transcendent athletic possibility of the power forward's game," the brand put it. And while the sneaker caters to his high-flying and powerful style of play, it also points to personal traits that make him a generational superstar.
“We knew that one of Zion’s main inspirations for the look of the shoe was superhero armor. But when we thought about an icon or symbol that could clearly draw out the shoe’s benefits, the 'Z' made perfect sense to us,” said Vianney de Montgolfier, Senior Footwear Designer, Jordan Sport. “It’s the letter for speed, it has the base for power, and it’s maybe the most distinguishable letter in the alphabet. There’s nothing else like it.”
The tongue of the Zion 1 is one of the clear focal points of the design, made with ample padding and a unique stitching pattern to alleviate lace pressure and provide a snug fit. Drawing from superhero armor, it offers Williamson protection, breathability, and freedom of movement.
The Zion 1 also introdcues a new cushioning combination, pairing a full-length Air Strobel unit with a stacked, bottom-loaded Zoom Air unit. The sole's extended construction is inspired by the massive tires on Zion's truck, ultimately offering him stability that will keep the foot over the platform.
The first colorway of the Zion 1, the "Gen Zion," is slated to release on April 23. Other iterations will soon follow, including the "ZNA" on May 5, the "Noah" on May 19, and the "Marion" on May 26.
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