Quick Facts
- Jordan Brand takes cues from the Jordan 23 for a new Air Jordan 40 colorway
- The sneaker mimics key features from the AJ 23, like the embroidered upper and fingerprint motifs
- The color palette is also a direct rip from the original Jordan 23 Black Stealth
- The Air Jordan 4023 Black Stealth will be released Holiday 2025 for $200
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The 40th birthday of the Air Jordan 1 has gifted us one of the best years in sneakers, not only in the last decade but possibly ever. Re-releases of classic collabs, retros of OG colorways, and a shift in where the brand is heading have defined 2025 for Jordan Brand. On top of that, Michael Jordan’s 40th signature sneaker, the Air Jordan 40, hit shelves, and for the first time in a while, didn’t flop on drop day. The OG rendition sold out quickly and other renditions have also sold well, with the consensus online being that it’s the best mainline Jordan in years. Following up on the Air Jordan 1-inspired Air Jordan 40, Jordan Brand is converting the sneaker into an Air Jordan 23.
Launching alongside another reimagined Air Jordan 40, that being the Air Jordan 4016 which takes cues from the Jordan 16, the Air Jordan 4023 implements design details from MJ’s 23rd signature sneaker. The AJ 23 first hit shelves in 2008 and marked the return of two titans of Nike design to the Jordan line, Tinker Hatfield and Mark Smith, to celebrate the shoe number that coincided with MJ’s jersey number. The upper came stitched with DNA-inspired embroidery, while the outsole features an altered fingerprint from MJ.
As for the Jordan 40 that cosplays as the Jordan 23, the pair directly mirrors the original Black Stealth colorway, using a black and white DNA-inspired embroidery on the midfoot panel, red stitching on the upper, and black suede detailing. Branding on the tongue is also redone to mimic the AJ 23 as a circular Jumpman lands on the right shoe and the number 23 is present on the left. The fingerprint motif is applied to the heel tab and on the outsole. Even with the look of the AJ 23, the AJ 40 retains its performance-oriented tech, like the full-length Zoom Strobel and ZoomX cushioning system and the modified herringbone traction on the outsole.
The Air Jordan 4023 Black Stealth will be released Holiday 2025 through Nike and select retailers online and in-store. Available in men’s sizing, the retail price is set at $200. Check below for official images of the pair, and download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest happenings in sneakers.
Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. When not writing for Sole Retriever, I enjoy watching films and discovering music. Follow me on Letterboxd @nickvlah For tips, reviews, or any shoes in a size 13, email nick@soleretriever.com
