After four decades of dominance, Jordan Brand has officially unveiled the Air Jordan 40, and it's not just another basketball shoe—it's a technological masterpiece that's about to change everything we know about performance footwear.
A Revolutionary Leap Forward
The Air Jordan 40 represents a historic first for Nike, Inc., combining full-length ZoomX foam with full Zoom Strobel technology in a single shoe. This groundbreaking pairing delivers an unprecedented 85% energy return, utilizing the same foam technology that powered Eliud Kipchoge's record-breaking marathon performances.
"This is the definitive performance basketball shoe on the market," declares Jason Mayden, Chief Design Officer at Jordan Brand. "For the first time, we've combined two landmark NIKE, Inc. innovations to create the Air Jordan of the future".
Built for Today's Game
What sets the Air Jordan 40 apart isn't just its cutting-edge technology—it's how purposefully it's designed for modern basketball. The shoe features a 360-degree webbing containment system that provides lateral and medial support during gameplay, while a unique traction pattern built around 40-degree angles helps players "start and stop on a dime".
Paolo Banchero, who will be wearing the Air Jordan 40 in the upcoming 2025-26 season, couldn't contain his excitement:
"It's truly a shoe built for today's style of basketball, with the innovative edge that comes from being a member of the Jordan Family".
A Love Letter to Jordan History
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the Air Jordan 40 is how it weaves together four decades of Jordan Brand heritage. The design team didn't just create a new shoe—they crafted a tribute to the entire lineage:
- Tongue inspired by the Air Jordan 5
- Reflective elements from the Air Jordan 13
- Stitched bone lines nodding to the Air Jordan 14
- Heel clip and eyelets referencing the Air Jordan 3
- Iridescent window paying homage to the Air Jordan 18
Even the logo incorporates 40-degree angles throughout, subtly reinforcing the shoe's anniversary significance while the herringbone traction pattern mirrors this geometric theme.
Premium Meets Performance
The Air Jordan 40 "The Classic" colorway showcases the shoe's sophisticated approach to basketball footwear. Featuring premium tumbled leather on a white base with smooth black leather accents and vast grey nubuck on the toecap, this isn't your typical flashy basketball shoe.
"There's an understated luxe to it similar to Jil Sander's collabs with PUMA, refined, neutral, modern," notes one industry observer, highlighting how the Air Jordan 40 bridges performance and lifestyle seamlessly.
The Numbers That Matter
Here's what makes the Air Jordan 40 a game-changer:
- Release Date: July 12, 2025
- Price: $200 USD
- Technology: Full-length ZoomX foam + Full Zoom Strobel
- Energy Return: 85%
- Colorways: Nine planned for the first year
The initial release includes three distinct colorways: "The Classic" (July 12), "Blue Suede" (August 20), and "Dusty Rose" (September 20).
More Than Just a Shoe
Sarah Mensah, President of Jordan Brand, perfectly captures the significance of this moment:
"The Air Jordan 40 represents the future. Built for today's player and the specifics of today's game, it's the beginning of a new chapter in our storied legacy".
This isn't just about creating another basketball shoe—it's about honoring Michael Jordan's incredible legacy while pushing the boundaries of what's possible in athletic footwear. The Air Jordan 40 manages to be both a nostalgic tribute and a forward-thinking innovation.
The Verdict
The Air Jordan 40 arrives at a pivotal moment for basketball footwear. As the game continues to evolve with faster, more athletic players, Jordan Brand has created a shoe that doesn't just keep up—it leads the way.
With its revolutionary cushioning system, premium construction, and thoughtful design heritage, the Air Jordan 40 isn't just the next chapter in the Jordan story—it's potentially the most important one yet.
Whether you're a serious hooper looking for every competitive edge or a sneakerhead who appreciates the intersection of history and innovation, the Air Jordan 40 delivers on all fronts. This is what happens when four decades of basketball excellence meets cutting-edge technology.
The Air Jordan 40 launches July 12 at jordan.com and select retailers. At $200, it's positioned as a premium performance option that's likely to sell out fast—just like every other Jordan release that's mattered.
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