The Air Jordan 33, unveiled moments ago in Los Angeles, is Jordan Brand’s latest game shoe. It will introduce the brand’s new FastFit system and feature forefoot and heel Zoom Air cushioning.

The Air Jordan 33 will release next month, October 18, for $175 with a laceless design; FastFit will replace the laces, and it does so by allowing easier entry via loops on the tongue and heel. Wearers will lock themselves into the shoe with a single tug of the forefoot strap that activates the tightening cables. To remove the shoe, simply pull the side loops — that will loosen the textile and synthetic leather upper.

“This year’s game shoe, the AJ XXXIII, is the first basketball shoe to feature FastFit technology, which provides ultimate lockdown to prepare athletes for flight,” said Michael Jordan in a statement. “From day one, we’ve taken pride in the Air Jordan game shoe, where we focus on athlete insights and the latest innovations to create silhouettes that are distinctly Jordan. That balance also allows the game shoe to continually revolutionize both in sport and style.”

The Air Jordan 33 is inspired by space suits, both visually and technologically, and it also draws from Tinker Hatfield’s Air Jordan 3 (see the Nike Air on the heel?). Of course, the shoe has tons of Jordan and Nike DNA; the window of the tightening system mimics the original Air window and the large tongue makes a perfect spot for a Jumpman logo.

“Applying FastFit allowed for a balance of art and science in the design,” said designer Tate Kuerbis in a statement. “We were inspired by how space suits look and function. It’s all very utilitarian, and the various elements and what they do are all clearly called out. Thinking about this led us to highlight the pull cord, eject cord and the inner workings of FastFit, and make the function integral to the aesthetic and graphic integrity of the design.”

The Air Jordan 33 will be cushioned by a large-volume forefoot Zoom Air unit and a hex Zoom unit at the heel. Moreover, the shoe will feature the latest iteration of Flight Speed, which now uses the same carbon plate as the Zoom VaporFly 4%. So, Flight Speed + Zoom Air + FastFit = Air Jordan 33.

“Flight has always been part of our Jordan DNA,” said Jordan Brand Vice President of Design David Creech in a statement. “Our team considered the utility-led design of space flight suits and used that inspiration to help craft the AJ XXXIII. Like those suits, the shoe features visible technology designed for function, but that also becomes a staple style element.”

The Air Jordan 33 will release on October 18 at select global retailers and at Jordan.com for $175.

Source: Nike