This weekend, sneaker enthusiasts are in for a treat as SoulGoods, the Beijing-based fashion label and renowned sneaker retailer, is set to release its latest collaboration with Nike. The SoulGoods x Jordan Air Ship “Prove Yourself” takes a contemporary approach to an all-time classic, promising a must-cop addition to your collection.
Founded in 2016 by Gming and Wu Yue, SoulGoods has been making waves globally, reshaping the perception of Chinese design in the international sneaker market. Notably, the brand holds the distinction of being the first mainland Chinese company to collaborate with Nike. Their previous high-profile projects, including the celebrated Dunk capsule collection paying homage to the ’80s, ’90s, and 2000s, have garnered significant attention.
For this collaboration, SoulGoods revisits the archives to resurrect an obscure sneakerhead favorite: the Jordan Air Ship. This iconic shoe, remembered as the interim Air Jordan 1, played a pivotal role in Michael Jordan’s journey between signing his historic deal with Nike and the completion of the Jordan 1 ready for court wear.
The SoulGoods rendition of the Air Ship features a bold redesign with a rich brown suede upper, a distinctive “smoke grey” mudguard, and a striking mesh toebox reminiscent of Nike’s cross-training Metcon line. The shoe is adorned with a subtle embossed tiger logo at the top and an embroidered number five on the outside heel, adding a unique touch to the classic silhouette.
The Air Ship’s historical significance in the Jordan legacy, coupled with SoulGoods’ deep knowledge of sneaker history, makes this collaboration particularly noteworthy. While paying homage to a crucial Jordan-related model, SoulGoods injects a breath of fresh air into the design, setting this collaboration apart from the rest.
The SoulGoods x Jordan Air Ship “Prove Yourself” is slated for an official release on Saturday, January 20, with a price tag of $150 at SoulGoods. Sneaker enthusiasts and collectors alike won’t want to miss out on the chance to cop this exceptional piece, already making a claim as one of the best sneakers of the year. Stay tuned for a fusion of history, style, and innovation as SoulGoods continues to redefine the sneaker landscape.
