When Michael Jordan first retired from the NBA, he attempted to make a name for himself in professional baseball. Luckily for him, his connection to the Chicago Bulls owner, Jerry Reinsdorf, led him to be able to play for the Chicago White Sox minor league affiliate, the Birmingham Barons. This period has inspired multiple Air Jordan colorways that take on the greyscale color scheme of the Barons, and this is the case again with an all-new Air Jordan 39.
Considering that the Jordan 39 takes design cues and inspiration from the Air Jordan 9, released when Jordan played for the Barons, it makes sense to give the model a makeover and nod to the team. A Leather panel along the toe and lower eyestays come in vast grey, with this hue continuing up the perforated leather tongue and the textured tongue tag. Black details grace the Jumpman logo on the tongue and the engineered mesh base layer, which also features a tonal embroidered pattern. The pattern is derived from Jordan Brand designers painting the Air Jordan 29, having it undergo a stress test of cross-steps, and then scanning the cracked paint. On the heel sits a black leather panel for reinforcement and white TPU near the bottom, the latter hosting Air Jordan text. Finishing the sneaker is the ZoomX and Zoom Air-cushioned midsole in a clear cream hue paired with a tonal rubber outsole.
The Air Jordan 39 Barons will release in December 2024 through Nike and select retailers online and in-store. Available in men’s sizing, the retail price is $200. Download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
Images via Nike
Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. Concerts, music, trying new restaurants, and catching the latest movies are some of the things I enjoy when not writing for Sole Retriever. Email: nick@soleretriever.com