Sneakers aren’t always just streetwise pieces. Sometimes, they’re some of the most luxurious pairs of shoes money can buy. While they may not hold the same acclaim as a pair of Manolo Blahnik stilettos or Gucci boots, they can rival them in terms of design, fabrication, and have an upper hand in terms of comfort. Through the years, Nike‘s Air Jordans prove that sneakers can be luxury items, and with the right colors and materials, exemplify the heights of it. One of their pairs for such is the Air Jordan Velvet “Night Maroon” from their ‘Heiress’ collection.
Release Date: December 17, 2016
Price When Reviewing: US$220.00
The deliciously-luxurious pair was made available back on December 17, 2016, as part of the brand’s “Heiress” collection. Although it costs $220 per pair, it’s worth every penny. Firstly, the Air Jordan 11 Heiress collection is all about the utmost of quality and design when it comes to their iconic sneakers. Contrary to its name, the shoes are unisex and can fit any customer regardless of color or material. The Velvet “Night Maroon” pair, however, has a decidedly-feminine aura, but that won’t stop men whose love for fashion go beyond gender norms.
Pros
The shoe is distinct for its massive use of velvet all over the pair. The label exchanged patent leather for the more luxurious material to better present a feeling of refinement. Painted with a deep and rich shade of maroon, it also displays a sense of regality even though the shoe is bigger in sportswear than in high fashion. The velvet even has a subtle floral design to make it a lot more sophisticated than your average Air Jordan pair. Veering further away from their normal sportswear aesthetic in more into luxury fashion, they also exchanged their typical mesh upper with nubuck suede. Finally, for a final touch of sparkle, the Air Jordan jumping man logo is embossed in gold on the back of the shoe, along with a golden 23 stitched on the top-most side of the heel.
Cons
As luxurious as it is, however, it’s not necessarily the best shoe regarded by your average Air Jordan fans. A lot of them find it too precious to wear on the street, let alone to play the sport in. One of the reasons Air Jordans became successful in the first place was because it was a shoe that had a sophisticated design yet durable functions for the sport. As expensive a pair one is, it’s become a go-to shoe for basketball players, both professional and otherwise, to play the sport in. This Air Jordan 11 Velvet “Night Maroon” comes off as too good to wear for many fans, and are more admired on the runway than on the street or the court.
Where to buy
The pair is available in Nike stores worldwide, and in select online retailers, such as Finish Line and Stadium Goods. The shoe, nonetheless, has proven that Air Jordan shoes are just as luxurious as the next leather goods pair any other brand offers.
Images of the “Heiress” / “Red Velvet” Retro via Nike.
