The Converse Pro Leather Celebrates the "Birth of Michael Jordan"

Known the world over as one of the greatest basketball players ever, Michael Jordan has seen many accolades and sneaker releases created in homage to him. Next up Converse has created a special pair of Converse Pro Leathers to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Jordan’s NCAA title and also in recognition of the University of North Carolina’s 2017 championship.

Nike’s top designers Tinker Hatfield and Dan Sunwoo have created a limited, friends and family edition of the Converse Pro Leather that signifies the birth of “Michael Jordan.” The shoe, which was worn by Jordan in the ’82 tournament, sees the traditional chevron star logo replaced by a Jumpman in “Tar Heel Blue,” while heel detailing represents the team uniforms from the championship years of 1982 (found on the left) and 2017 (found on the right).

“MJ was wearing the Converse Pro Leather in the 1982 Championship. He is often quoted as saying he felt he became Michael Jordan in that moment,” explains Hatfield. “To signify the birth of MJ, I had the Converse logo fade out and the Jumpman appear.”

The Converse “Birth of Michael Jordan” Pro Leather will be gifted to the current UNC team, as well as friends and family of the program and Jordan Brand. Turning the spotlight onto another basketball G.O.A.T., Kobe Bryant recently sat down with Jimmy Kimmel to discus his Oscar win.