It would be almost impossible not to know about the incredible friendship that blossomed between the face of the Jordan Brand and Spike Lee, one of the most well-known Air Jordan lovers. The product of that beautiful friendship was the Nike Jordan Spizike, launched in 2006. After hibernation since 2020, Nike is finally ready to dust off the Jordan Spizike with a stunning new “Black Cat” colourway.
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After a good run, Nike made a controversial decision and changed the already hybridized design by swapping out the Air Jordan 3-esque sole for the Air Max 270 sole, and while it proved to be a unique combination, most fans of the silhouette agreed that it was a step too far in the direction of experimentation, and the silhouette went back into hibernation.
Luckily, the hibernation allowed the Jordan Spizike to return to its roots. Three years later, we finally have a new pair to look forward to in a classic colourway that is an homage to the Air Jordan 4, “Black Cat. Considering the apparent ties that the pair already has with the support wings for the laces, it makes perfect sense that the colourway would carry over to this silhouette without so much as a stutter.
I always say the same thing. You can’t go wrong with black sneakers. Nike somehow manages to go beyond, including different matte and shiny textures to achieve a look that, despite being all black, somehow looks like different shades of black.
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Starting with the outer and midsole, we have a slightly shiny black rubber with the iconic Air Jordan 3 window into the air unit in the sole. From there, the Air Jordan 3 elements continue with the mudguard and the heel counter, which is fittingly elephant print, basically all that comes up when you search for the legacy silhouette.
The elephant print combines matte and shiny finishes to add depth to the look, which then transitions into a matte but still luxurious-looking leather. The leather copies the look of the lower half of the Air Jordan 3 before transitioning into the mesh and support-wing-clad look of the Air Jordan 4.
The mesh is a stunning, almost hexagonal mesh that repeats the elephant print’s shiny look. At the same time, the support wings are an elegant matte black to complete the look. Let’s not forget the black tongue and lace unit cover borrowed from the Air Jordan 6 to complete the look, combining some of the most stunning elements from Michael Jordan and Spike Lee’s favourite sneakers into a stunning, cohesive look.
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The Jordan Spizike “Black Cat” colourway doesn’t have a firm release date yet, although there have been whispers that we will see the pair sometime this Fall. Unfortunately, this pair only has official images for the Grade School sizing, meaning that these sneakers must be for your kid unless you are an adult with extremely tiny feet. Still, at least they will have an excellent addition to their epic wardrobe, and you will be the coolest parent around.
Are you buying the Jordan Spizike “Black Cat” for your kid, or are you waiting for Nike to bring it out in your size?
Sources: SNKRDUNK Magazine
