Jordan Brand’s “Rare Air” collection honors the history of its most famous shoes and Michael Jordan’s legacy.
Created with help from Nike’s Department of Archives in Beaverton, Oregon, it looks back at the design process and stories from the late 1980s and 1990s that shaped these classic sneakers.
The Meaning of “Rare Air”
The phrase “Rare Air” means “easy to miss but hard to forget.” It began as a special idea for an Air Jordan 1 pack and grew into a full collection inspired by the original shoe design process.
Back then, Nike worked closely with its suppliers to perfect the look of the shoes. The name also pays tribute to Rare Air magazine from the mid-1990s, which showed personal moments from Michael Jordan’s first retirement from basketball.
Embracing Imperfections
This collection highlights the beauty of imperfections. For example, on the Air Jordan 3, you will see flipped Nike Air logos on the heel and suede and nubuck materials instead of the usual elephant print. The midsoles look purposely aged to give a vintage feel.
The Air Jordan 4 features Velcro tongue tags that can be customized, with some rare pairs showing gold text. The Air Jordan 11 includes small “pre-production” details like the “Jordan” wordmark along the eyelets.
Apparel That Tells a Story
Jordan Brand’s clothing in this collection follows the same theme. The apparel features pre-distressed fabrics, cracked logos, and inside-out seams to make it look worn and vintage. Blue tags on the clothes honor Nike apparel made in Japan in the late 1980s. These details create a sense of discovery for longtime fans and new customers alike.
Balancing Nostalgia and Freshness
The “Rare Air” collection balances nostalgia for longtime fans who grew up with Michael Jordan and a fresh, discovery-driven experience for younger generations. It shows that greatness takes hard work, mistakes, and learning — just like Michael Jordan’s journey.
Release Dates to Watch
The Air Jordan 3 “Rare Air” and matching apparel drop on May 30, 2025. The black Air Jordan 4 “Rare Air” will release in summer 2025. The Air Jordan 11 “Rare Air” is expected during the holiday season.
The “Rare Air” collection honors Michael Jordan’s story and shows that greatness comes from pushing limits and learning from imperfections. That is the true meaning of “Rare Air.”
