Michael Jordan may have never broken the backboard of a basketball hoop with one of his acrobatic dunks in an NBA game – that was a move designated for Shaquille O’Neal in the early 90s – but His Airness did manage to get one of his shattered backboards caught on footage during an international game in Italy. That was the inspiration behind last year’s surprise hit, the Air Jordan 1 “Shattered Backboard”, a retro pair that featured a Black Toe-like colorway with additional Starfish orange accents to match the jerseys worn in the international competition. Now Jordan Brand is bringing the inspiration back for the Air Jordan 31 Shattered Backboard on October 8th for $185 USD.
The Jordan 31 Shattered Backboard benefits from a premium leather heel panel, with the overall construction of the latest Jordan signature silhouette paying homage to Mike’s first model. A unique gradient pattern fades from orange to black on the Flyweave woven upper while an interesting shade of off-white manages to captivate on the outsole. This Air Jordan XXX1 won’t be the only Shattered Backboard inspiration releasing this October either, as a new Air Jordan 1 “Reverse Shattered Backboard” will arrive at retailers on October 8th for $160 USD.
The Jordan 1 Reverse Shattered Backboard features a familiar color blocking with that beautiful combination of off-white Sail tumbled leather and Starfish orange, only this time around, black plays a more subdued role with the overall colorway representing a more Chicago-like blocking when compared to last year’s release. What do you think of Jordan Brand’s “Shattered Backboard” plans for October 2016?
Be sure to check out more detailed shots below courtesy of Foot Locker EU and head over to our Jordan release dates page for more of the latest Jumpman updates.
Source: Footlocker EU
Air Jordan 31 “Shattered Backboard”
Color: Black/Black-Starfish
Style Code: 845037-021
Release Date: October 8, 2016
Price: $185
Air Jordan 1 “Reverse Shattered Backboard”
Color: Sail/Starfish-Black
Style Code: 555088-113
Release Date: October 8, 2016
Price: $160