First Look at Zion Williamson's Jordan Zion 1 (UPDATE)

UPDATE (April 20, 2021): Zion Williamson’s first signature sneaker with Jordan Brand will be titled the Zion 1, not the Z Code. Get more information on the model here.

ORIGINAL STORY (April 5, 2021): Zion Williamson‘s first signature sneaker with Jordan Brand, the Jordan Z Code, has been revealed. Williamson has been a Jordan Brand team member since being selected #1 overall in the 2019 NBA Draft by the New Orleans Pelicans, but in his first two seasons he’s mostly worn Air Jordan 34 and Air Jordan 35 PEs. Now, the Z Code will mark his entry into the signature footwear market where he’ll join Russell Westbrook and Chris Paul as the third NBA player with an active Jordan line.

Though its above-pictured launch colorway is full of bright multicolor detailing, the Z Code’s base silhouette is rather self-effacing, mixing a 5/8 cut, an upper that’s split between a synthetic heel and a mesh forefoot with a jagged “Z”-like seam and a two-piece midsole. The rear is covered in multi-color letters that spell out “Zion,” and the heel tab features a full “Zion” graphic. Foam tongues are split between a Jumpman on the right foot and a ZW hit on the left foot, while outsoles and insoles alike are equipped with a blotchy multi-color treatment.

A small “Air” graphic can be seen on the midsole as well, a potential indication of the shoe’s cushioning setup. Tech specs have yet to be revealed, but the Z Code will likely be centered around a mixture of soft cushioning and sturdy stability — Williamson is notoriously hard on his footwear, even famously tearing through the side of a Nike PG 2.5 he wore during his collegiate days at Duke.

Official release and pricing information for the Jordan Z Code has yet to be announced, but according to some sneaker retailer release calendars it may arrive towards the tail end of April.

Elsewhere in the world of the Jumpman, grab a detailed look at the Air Jordan 1 “Pollen.”