Earlier in the year, Jordan Brand used the festivities around the WNBA All-Star Game to debut its latest inline performance basketball model, the Jordan Heir, to the public. Full tech specs, inspiration, and insight into its development were kept under wraps, even with the silhouette having released in the Her Collective and Peach Jam colorways last week. However, Jordan Brand has now officially given us details about the all-new Jordan Heir.
At the core of the Jordan Heir is a design philosophy emphasizing agility and court feel, critical aspects of the women's game that are becoming global priorities for athletes. The sneaker's exterior foam layer has a drop-in Cushlon 3.0 midsole that keeps players close to the ground, optimizing flexibility and response for quick cuts and bursts of speed. The outsole sports a herringbone rubber traction pattern, providing a superior grip on the court for enhanced quickness and control. In addition to its performance features, the shoe boasts a flexible cage around the foot, offering both comfort and ankle support—key to preventing the common injury of ankle rolling in the women's game.
Although Jordan Brand took inspiration from defiant female athletes like Kiki Rice and Kiyomi McMiller, specifically their style of play and self-expression, the Heir model (and future versions) are crafted for all ballplayers. "We’re currently witnessing a pivotal and transformative era for sports, especially women’s sports," says Rhyne Howard, a Jordan Brand athlete and Atlanta Dream guard. "This shoe allows us to leverage our understanding of how women play to create products that can benefit all athletes and push the entire sport landscape forward.”
“Understanding that the Heir Series is specifically designed from my insights as well as other women athletes on the roster is really representative of the change that’s going on right now in women’s basketball,” says Kiki Rice, a Jordan Brand athlete and UCLA guard. “Being able to contribute to the design and feel of this shoe is something I don’t take for granted. I love the aesthetic and think the color blocking lends itself to be a great vehicle for storytelling and advancing the women’s game and basketball overall.”
The Jordan Heir is available in the Peach Jam and Her Collective colorways and will soon launch in the Main Character and YSY renditions. Future releases will come throughout the next year in a variety of colors. The pairs are available in extended women’s sizing and retail for $110. 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 Nike
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
