A Closer Look at the Air Jordan XX9 "Gym Red"

Unveiled back in April of this year, the Air Jordan XX9 represents the latest evolution of Jordan Brand‘s flagship signature sneaker, building on the brand’s own history of innovation and craftsmanship with the inclusion of two key new technologies: a brand new take on the Flight Plate and the brand’s first-ever performance-woven, Flyknit-like upper. Here, the Flight Plate sees Zoom Air units in both the forefoot and heel while a moderator plate of thermoplastic elastomer manages the compression and deflection of both units for optimal performance. Plus, a new tendril linking the forefoot and heel provides a smoother heel-to-toe transition than ever before.

And while the Flight Plate is certainly significant, the XX9 is perhaps most noteworthy for its woven upper. Thanks to a Flyknit-like construction, Tinker Hatfield has almost limitless possibilities when it comes to the look of the design’s upper. While the likes of the “Team Orange” colorway make use of a tonal upper and massive contrasting Jumpman, the “Gym Red” colorway pictured here sees the knit employed in different ways throughout the upper to create the look of juxtaposing panels. A nod of sorts to Hatfield’s first piece of Jordan footwear, the Air Jordan 3, the “Gym Red” edition of the XX9 sees a Chicago Bulls-esque Black/White-Gym Red combo with the brand’s signature elephant print throughout.

Complete with strategically-placed Flight Web tunnels and flexible underlays for support and structure–along with a double-lasted heel and articulated collar padding–the “Gym Red” edition of the Air Jordan XX9 is set to hit retailers September 6 for $225 USD.