Never-Before-Seen Images of Jordan 23 JBC PE Surface Online
Have you ever seen a sneaker for the first time and then immediately notice it everywhere you go? When it rains, it pours, right? That’s how we’re feeling about a Jordan 23 PE from a few years ago that we saw for the first time this week… twice.
The never-before-seen Air Jordan 23 is designed with a mix of black suede, patent leather, and what appears to be nubuck on the upper, featuring a multi-colored, galaxy print sole piece that extends into the forefoot side panels and toe.
Made for the Jordan Brand Classic youth basketball tournament, the pair popped up on eBay this week, listed for a whopping $1,999 and sold for an undisclosed offer over the weekend. Once the eBay listing was spotted, sneaker sleuths started looking and quickly identified the same pair of shoes on the feet of Miami Heat star and Jordan athlete Bam Adebayo in an Instagram post from his youth camp just two weeks ago. Are they the exact same pair? Honestly, we have no clue.
The origin of the sneaker became a little clearer thanks to former Jordan designer and forever Twitter (umm, sorry, X) star Kelsey Amy, who confirmed that she designed the galaxy-themed 23. The theme also extended to a Jordan 1 Low featuring a multi-material black base, with galaxy print on the toebox, Swoosh, and tongue. The tongue has a clear EYBL logo, which makes sense with the Jordan Brand Classic origin of the AJ 23. Amy also noted that the Swoosh’s white border and the gum outsole both glow in the dark. Of course, Amy doesn’t even have a pair of either.
Sometimes, the best sneakers aren’t wide releases, exclusive drops, or even friends-and-family models. They’re ghosts that pop up in the memories of designers, veteran hoopers, and vague eBay listings. As always, happy hunting, fam.
Zach Harris is a writer based in Philadelphia. His work has appeared in Rolling Stone, Vice, Complex, High Times, and more. He is obsessed with skateboarding and bowling. He is still looking for his first 300. zach.h@soleretriever.com
