Introduction to the
Air Jordan 31
Introduced in 2016 and designed by Tate Kuerbis, the Air Jordan 31 draws design cues from the original Jordan 1s. Air Jordan fans will recognize the classic silhouette and the return of the Nike Swoosh and AJ Wings logo. However, thanks to modern materials like Flyweave and contemporary construction emphasizing comfort and performance, Air Jordan XXXI shoes are perfectly suited to today’s sneaker enthusiasts.
From the Air Jordan 31 “Banned” that recalls the rebelliousness of the inaugural Jordan shoe to the Air Jordan 31 “Gotta Shine” to celebrate a new generation of All-Star NBA players, the XXXI is a fitting tribute to both the heritage and future of Michael Jordan’s eponymous sneaker line.
Price, Value and Collectability of the Air Jordan 31
Though the Air Jordan 31 design was well received by running shoe fans, not all colourways command excessively high premiums in the secondary market–just yet. Some less sought-after colourways can be picked up for less than or close to retail in the secondary market.
It's important to remember that the Air Jordan 31s are relatively fresh to the market given their 2016/2017 release years. As time passes and fewer new or like-new Jordan 31 OGs colourways are available for sale, market value will likely increase among collectors.
There are a few limited-edition Air Jordan XXXI models that are particularly collectable. The Air Jordan XXXI “RW MVP” developed in honour of Russell Westbrook's MVP award in 2017 and the Gold All Star Jordan 31 frequently sell for four figures.
Regular cleaning by using a soft and dry shoe brush to remove dirt or spot cleaning with a mild soap and water solution (followed by blotting with a dry soft cloth) will help keep running shoes looking as fresh as possible. One of the best ways to preserve the shape and condition of collectable Air Jordans while in storage is to utilise shoe trees to prevent creases that can develop over time. Finally, it's always a good idea to keep original Air Jordan boxes and packaging should you wish to resell the shoes in the future.
Air Jordan XXXI History and Inspiration
The Air Jordan 31 made its debut just before the Rio 2016 Olympics. As a result, the first two colourways that kicked off the collection paid tribute to the Summer Games—one bearing the colours of the Brazilian flag and the other dressed in Team USA colours. However, the flagship Air Jordan XXXI soon followed in the black and red “Banned” colorway. The “Banned” name is in reference to the original black and red “Bred” Air Jordan 1s being banned from the NBA for violating uniform codes.
In true Jordan Brand fashion, other Jordan 31 colourways were released over the 2016/2017 season including familiar favourites such as “Space Jam” and “Shattered Backboard,” along with new combinations like “Fine Print” and “Supernova.” Air Jordan 31 lows joined the lineup in 2017, first in team-specific colourways of five NCAA teams followed by plenty of other options.
Air Jordan XXXI Releases
As a relatively new design, all Air Jordan 31s are OGs with over 30 colourways released, in both high and low styles, from August 2016 until August 2017.
Air Jordan 31 Design: Construction and Colourways
As a reboot of the inaugural shoe that started it all, the Air Jordan XXXI offers plenty of vintage-inspired touches. For instance, the 31s include the Nike Swoosh logo–something that hasn't been seen since the Air Jordan 1s–and the Wings logo from the AJ 1 and 2. In fact, the Air Jordan 31 is the first model to bring together the Jumpman, Wings and Swoosh logo. What's more, the Air Jordan 31 carries on the tradition of the low-to-the-ground silhouette requested by Michael Jordan for his namesake shoe over three decades ago.
However, as a 21st-century running shoe, the Jordan 31 pairs that iconic style with cutting-edge tech for high-performance and ultra-comfort, both on and off the court. The Jordan 31 is often cited as one of the most comfortable running shoes ever made throughout the brand's more than three-decade history. It was the lightest Air Jordan created at the time of release.
Excluding some special editions, most Air Jordan XXXI share the following design traits:
- A one-piece upper with Flyweave at the toe for flexibility that transitions to synthetic leather at the heel and ankle for support
- Neoprene bootie (liner) with extra cushion pads
- Full-length Zoom Air Unit for responsive cushioning
- Flightspeed technology placed directly above the Zoom Air unit for high-energy bounce
- Flywire threads for a locked-down fit
- Herringbone pattern on the outsole for traction
Popular Air Jordan XXXI colourways:
Banned
Banned: Black/University Red (aka Bred) with “BANNED” branded outsoles
Olympic/USA
Olympic/USA White/University Red/Royal Blue—created to celebrate Team USA during the 2016 Olympics
Why Not
Cement Grey/Black/Dark Grey/White with “WHY NOT” branded outsoles — made for Russell Westbrook
Royal
Royal Royal Blue/Black/White
Chicago
Varsity Red/Black/White with Chicago Skyline branded outsoles
Space Jam
Space Jam: Black/Concord/Anthracite/White
Fine Print
Fine Print Black/White/Wolf Grey with Michael Jordan’s signature branded outsoles to commemorate his Nike contract signing
Price, Value and Collectability of the Air Jordan 31
The the Air Jordan 31 design was well received by running shoe fans, not all colourways command excessively high premiums in the secondary market–just yet. Some less sought-after colourways can be picked up for less than or close to retail in the secondary market.
It's important to remember that the Air Jordan 31s are relatively fresh to the market given their 2016/2017 release years. As time passes and fewer new or like-new Jordan 31 OGs colourways are available for sale, market value will likely increase among collectors.
There are a few limited-edition Air Jordan XXXI models that are particularly collectable. The Air Jordan XXXI “RW MVP” developed in honour of Russell Westbrook's MVP award in 2017 and the Gold All Star Jordan 31 frequently sell for four figures.
Regular cleaning by using a soft and dry shoe brush to remove dirt or spot cleaning with a mild soap and water solution (followed by blotting with a dry soft cloth) will help keep running shoes looking as fresh as possible. One of the best ways to preserve the shape and condition of collectable Air Jordans while in storage is to utilise shoe trees to prevent creases that can develop over time. Finally, it's always a good idea to keep original Air Jordan boxes and packaging should you wish to resell the shoes in the future.
