Jordan Brand Officially Unveils the Air Jordan 40

Published June 25, 2025 at 11:00 AM

Jordan Brand celebrates four decades of innovation, performance, and cultural impact in 2025. While the headlines have surrounded the label’s recent retro run, which includes a slew of classics and pairs that many never saw returning, there is still a huge focus on the brand's performance side. The flagship Air Jordan model, once the signature sneaker of Michael Jordan, is getting its yearly update, marking a huge milestone with the Air Jordan 40.

At the heart of the Air Jordan 40 is a performance-first mindset that blends the best of Nike’s industry-leading technology. For the first time in Nike, Inc. history, they’ve crafted a shoe that combines full-length ZoomX foam — renowned for its 85% energy return and seen in record-breaking running shoes — with full-length Zoom Strobel, offering unmatched responsiveness and explosive pop underfoot. Supporting it all is a 360-degree webbing containment built to keep players secure through every cut, pivot, and dunk.

While the performance specs speak for themselves, the design of the Air Jordan 40 also pulls visual references from throughout the Air Jordan lineage. This includes a tongue inspired by the AJ 5, reflective elements from the AJ 13, stitched bone lines nodding to the AJ 14, the heel clip and eyelets referencing the AJ 3, and an iridescent window that nods to the AJ 18.

Eagle-eyed fans will spot even more Easter eggs — from MJ’s signature in the webbing (a nod to the AJ 15) to the Jumpman’s placement on the toe reminiscent of the AJ 12. Even the outsole’s 40-degree herringbone traction pattern subtly reinforces the shoe’s anniversary significance.

“The Air Jordan 40 provides the next generation of athletes a one-of-a-kind performance basketball shoe built on innovation, while paying homage to some of the most iconic details of the Air Jordan that we’ve all come to love over the last 40 years,” says Sarah Mensah, President, Jordan Brand. “The duality that Jordan Brand has had on sport and sport culture is unmatched and a reflection of its namesake and the bar he set for greatness.”

Athletes like Paolo Banchero are already calling it their go-to. “It’s truly a shoe built for today’s style of basketball,” he said. “That attention to performance will take my game to the next level as I continue to proudly represent the Jumpman.”

As Chief Design Officer Jason Mayden puts it, “This is the definitive performance basketball shoe on the market… It helps you get buckets and look good while doing it.” If that name sounds familiar, you’ve got a great memory. Mayden is a sneaker industry vet who has been in the game for nearly 25 years and has had his hand in many of Jordan Brand’s releases from 2001 to 2014. He was even the lead designer behind the Air Jordan 2009.

Air Jordan 40 vs. the Fear of God Athletics Baskeball I, two sneakers Jason Mayden helped bring to life

Prior to Mayden rejoining Jordan Brand in December 2023, he served as president of Fear of God Athletics, helping Jerry Lorenzo launch the athletically-focused division of FOG with adidas. There’s definitely some FOG influence in the design of the AJ 40, most notably in the toebox, which stands out amongst the rest of the upper.

The Air Jordan 40 will debut on July 12, 2025, in the Classic colorway. Following this will be the Blue Suede and Dusty Rose renditions on August 20 and September 20, respectively. Available in men’s sizing, the retail price is $205. Expect nine colorways for the Jordan 40 during its lifecycle, each featuring a unique upper material depending on the colorway.

Today, Sole Retriever will attend a media event showcasing the model in full. We’ll update you with more details about the sneaker, its design influence, and future colorways on our X and Instagram. Download the Sole Retriever mobile app. for real-time updates on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more.