The behind-the-scenes of the footwear industry is filled with countless samples and ideas that never make it to the production line. Luckily, a few pairs slip through the cracks and reveal what brands like Jordan Brand have been working on. A sample pair of Air Jordan 23s appears online for the first time and is connected to the legendary anime Slam Dunk.
For the uninitiated, Slam Dunk is a Japanese manga/anime following the Shōhoku High School basketball team published between 1990 and 1996. Throughout the series, characters are depicted wearing iconic sneaker models from that era, including Air Jordans and Nike Basketball models. It has since become one of the best-selling manga series of all time.
To honor the creator, Takehiko Inoue, Jordan Brand created a special pair of Air Jordan 23s that, according to Puneet Singh, who runs the Instagram account solesupreme, was set to be part of a series of regional releases of the model in 2008/2009. Black hues dominate most of the upper, as seen on the woven midfoot panel and toebox, while contrasting multi-color threads are found on select portions.
Multi-color stitching outlines the midfoot and comes as part of the mudguard, while characters atop the midfoot spell Takehiko Inoue’s name. Inside, the insole features an anime depiction of a character wearing a Jordan 23. Below sits jade-colored paneling that runs from the sole unit up to the edge of the toe and forefoot. Finishing the design is the tonal black and jade outsole.
The Air Jordan 23 Takehiko Inoue will remain an unreleased sample. Hopefully, Jordan Brand will bring forth new renditions of the AJ 23, as its 20th Anniversary is just a few years away. Check below for detailed images of the sneaker, and download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
Images via solesupreme
Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. Concerts, music, trying new restaurants, and catching the latest movies are some of the things I enjoy when not writing for Sole Retriever. Email: nick@soleretriever.com
