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Home Air Jordans Air Jordan 1

Air Jordan 1 “John Player Special” Is Inspired By The Ayrton Senna’s Lotus-Renault 98T

This Air Jordan 1 "John Player Special" design takes inspiration from the stylish black and gold design of Ayrton Senna’s Lotus-Renault 98T.

Caryn Ganess by Caryn Ganess
August 15, 2024
in Air Jordan 1
Air Jordan 1 "John Player Special"
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A black and gold combo always leaves a striking impression, whether showcased on a Formula 1 race car or a classic basketball shoe. The Air Jordan 1 “John Player Special”, inspired by the iconic black and gold livery of Ayrton Senna’s Lotus-Renault 98T, perfectly demonstrates this sentiment.

A Closer Look At The Sneaker

Mr. Simply Custom has meticulously reimagined the black body and gold pinstriping of Senna’s 1986 Formula 1 car on the classic AJ1 silhouette. The upper is enveloped in dark black leather with hints of smokey grey on the Swoosh and lining, mimicking the light play on the Lotus-Renault 98T. 

Gold piping adorns the edges of the overlays, with the shimmering hue also highlighting the branding details throughout the design. Various decals from Ayrton Senna’s Lotus-Renault 98T ornament the AJ1 model, including the “John Player Special” branding, the iconic number “12”, and even Senna’s own name. 

The design is completed with a white midsole and black rubber outsole, somewhat echoing the look of the tyres and rims of the celebrated racing car.

Without a doubt, the black and gold design, paired with the homage to Ayrton Senna’s racing legacy, makes these stylish kicks an ideal pick for Formula 1 enthusiasts.

Where To Grab The Air Jordan 1 “John Player Special”

If this pair has caught your eye, head over to Mr. Simply Custom’s website to snag your own custom pair. Men’s sizes of this AJ1 design are priced at $410 USD. However, a Nike Dunk Low with the same stunning design is also available for $365 USD. 

As you consider adding these beauties to your collection, why not explore other designs inspired by iconic automotive aesthetics? Check out the striking F40 Nike Dunk Low “Liberty Walk”, the vibrant “Honda S2000 Suki” Nike Dunk Low, the classic Most Wanted BMW M3 Nike Dunk Low, and the nostalgic Redsuns RX-7 Dunk sneakers. And be sure to follow us here at Sneaker Fortress for more customs and concept kicks that reflect your favourite automotive legends.

Air Jordan 1 "John Player Special"
Air Jordan 1 "John Player Special"
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A post shared by THE LEGENDS OF EAU ROUGE (@the_legends_of_eau_rouge)

Would you wear these Air Jordan 1 “John Player Special” kicks inspired by Ayrton Senna’s Lotus-Renault 98T? Let us know your thoughts about this pair and the Formula 1 car they are based on in the comments below!

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Caryn Ganess

Caryn Ganess

Caryn Ganess is a South African writer and pop culture commentator with a razor-sharp eye for sneaker trends and a deep-rooted passion for storytelling. Originally from the windy shores of Port Elizabeth, Caryn graduated cum laude with an Honours Degree in Psychology — a background that now fuels her captivating explorations of human behavior, fashion, and fandom. Whether she’s unpacking the cultural legacy of the Nike Cortez, breaking down the enduring cool of the Air Jordan 11, or analysing the psychological depth of your favourite movie villain, Caryn blends academic insight with real-world relevance. Her writing doesn’t just cover sneakers, film, gaming, and comics — it dissects them with precision, flair, and a personal touch that resonates with readers. An accomplished contributor to Fortress of Solitude, Sneaker Fortress, 23 Jumpman Street and Lifestyle Fortress, Caryn has become known for her ability to connect the dots between psychology and pop culture. As a full-time mother, she brings an added layer of empathy and lived experience to her work, offering a refreshing perspective on the emotional power of entertainment and storytelling. From retro kicks to psychological thrillers, Caryn tells the stories behind what we wear and what we watch — one article (and one sole) at a time.

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