When pictures of the upcoming Jordan Session first hit the internet, sneakerheads immediately pulled out their crucifixes and holy water. Black pony hair upper? Yes. Red horns poking out the sides? Yes. A hellish lava-red sole? Yes. Naturally, the internet decided this had to be Nike’s latest satanic creation. But according to Jordan Brand, everyone’s seeing demons where there aren’t any.
The company shut down the rumors with a statement to Sneaker News, saying, “The Jordan Session design had nothing to do with Halloween, the devil, satan or anything of the sort. The original concept was anchored on ‘The Year of the Bull’ and the shoe was proposed to be a limited China release. That’s the reason behind the eyes on the tongue, the fur and the horns. There is no Halloween concept.”
Of course, try convincing the internet. Fans on X weren’t buying it. One wrote, “They stay lying.. the background said it all yesterday.” Another went deeper into conspiracy territory: “The sku is literally IM6666-066…” Others pointed at the design itself: “The shoe is black, there’s a red goat eye on the tongue, devil horns, yea that’s satans shoe can’t convince me otherwise.”
It’s not hard to see where they’re coming from. Beyond the horns, the Jordan Session features a scale-printed midsole, chain and piercing accessories, and embroidered red eyes staring up from the tongue. Even the style code (IM6666-066) looked like someone at Nike was trolling. If this is just a nod to the “Raging Bull” nickname from Jordan history, it’s a pretty fiery one.
Nike’s been here before. Back in 2021, art collective MSCHF teamed up with Lil Nas X for the infamous “Satan Shoe,” a customized Nike Air Max 97 that included real drops of blood in the sole. Nike quickly filed a lawsuit, got a restraining order, and settled after fans assumed the company had gone full pentagram. No surprise, then, that Jordan Brand is scrambling to distance itself from anything with horns and flames attached.
So, what is the Jordan Session Black/Fire Red/Fire Red really? It’s a skate-inspired low-top that expands Jordan Brand beyond basketball. Over the past few months, several versions of the Session have quietly circulated, but this “Black/Fire Red” colorway is easily the wildest. Faux pony hair dominates the upper, laces dangle with a silver nose ring and chain, and the whole thing rides on a sole painted with fire graphics.
Still, the shoe’s on track for release. The Jordan Session in Black/Fire Red/Fire Red is expected to drop in October for $125, with wider availability possible before 2026. Whether you think it’s a tribute to Chicago Bulls heritage or a wink at darker themes, this sneaker is already one of the most talked-about Jordans in years.
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