It has been almost four decades since the iconic Air Jordan brand was first introduced to the world. Over the years, these sought-after kicks have taken off into the stratosphere of sneaker culture, becoming a symbol of style, athleticism, and cultural significance. Every year, fans eagerly anticipate the release of new Air Jordan models, which often sell out within minutes of their launch – and this year will likely be no exception.
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2023 will see the release of the Jordan Brand’s latest signature model, the Air Jordan 38. Boasting new X-Plate technology and touting enhanced cushioning and support, the Jordan 38 looks to be a game-changer on the court. And with colourways like the “FIBA” and “Center Star” set to release later this year, the newest addition to the Jordan lineup is setting itself up to be another slam dunk for the basketball sneaker giant.
However, there is one highly coveted colourway that the sneaker brand won’t be releasing to the public, the Air Jordan 38 “Quai 54”.
If you’ve been following the Air Jordan brand for a while, you may already be familiar with the “Quai 54” colourway. This exclusive edition was released in limited quantities to celebrate the annual Quai 54 streetball tournament held in Paris.
The sneaker boasts all the standard Jordan 38 features. From the newest X-Plate technology (which is a nod to the straps on the Air Jordan VIII) to the radial herringbone traction pattern and full-length Zoom Strobel unit, this sneaker is designed to provide optimal performance on the basketball court, much like the rest of the Jordan 38 line. However, there are a few unique design elements that set it apart from the other colourways.
The “Quai 54” edition features a vibrant colour scheme inspired by the tournament’s design elements, with bold green, red, and yellow pops that stand out against the sneaker’s dark black background. These striking colours are tastefully incorporated into the shoe’s upper through the use of intricate lines and patterns, giving it a dynamic and eye-catching look. The 41 lines are a nod to Jordan’s 41-points-per-game average for the 1993 champion series, while a diamond pattern on the collar represents the third championship ring he won while wearing the Air Jordan 8 sneaker.
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Additionally, the “Quai 54” edition also includes special detailing such as the tournament’s logo on the tongue and insole, as well as the numbers 03 and 23 on the heel, which represent the year the tournament was established and the current year of the tournament (which just so happens to be Michael Jordan’s iconic jersey number—pretty cool).
While you may not be able to get your hands on a pair of these “Quai 54” sneakers without some serious effort and maybe even a bit of luck, the rest of the Air Jordan 38 range will be available to the public in just a few short weeks.
The latest model will come in full-family sizing, making it accessible for sneaker enthusiasts of all ages and sizes. Priced at $200, the “Fundamental” colourway will be released to the public on August 18th. This release will be followed by the “FIBA” and “Center Star” colourways, which are both set to drop in September of this year. If you are interested in grabbing a pair of these sneakers, keep an eye out for release announcements and be sure to mark your calendars for Jordan 38’s highly anticipated release.
So, how do you get your hands on the Air Jordan 38 “Quai 54” sneakers? Well, you can’t. At least not yet.
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Check out Tony Mui‘s short review below:
