Having debuted in 2002, the Air Jordan 17 Low has been largely forgotten by the sneaker community. The silhouette, however, is rumored to return next year.
Teased by reliable sneaker leaker Brandon Starr – best known as @zSneakerHeadz on Instagram – not much is known about the model’s retro cycle. Original styles like a “White/University Blue/Black/Chrome” ensemble (also dubbed “Carolina”) should return. As with other re-launches of old designs, however, the low-top Air Jordan 17 may receive the “collaboration” treatment first.
When it debuted in Feb. 2002, the sneaker was the most expensive Air Jordan up to that point. The shoe’s technology warranted a higher price tag than other designs, but so did its metal briefcase and CD-ROM, two details inspired by another type of improvisational wizard: traveling jazzman. “His Airness” wore the sneaker – designed by Wilson Smith III – throughout his first season with the Washington Wizards. Both the shoe and stint with the Wizards aren’t too memorable, but they’re an important part of #23’s legacy.
Enjoy a look at the three-pair pack from 2002 ahead. No firm Nike SNKRS launch date for the retro(s) has been disclosed, but that’s to change as Spring 2024 inches closer.
For more sneaker news, check out the latest Nike Air Max releases.
Photos via Sotheby’s