Air Jordan I Mid Subway: Tribute to NYC’s Unsung Heroes

Final Design Selection

Students from each city presented their final designs to a panel of Jordan Brand employees, who chose one design for production: New York City’s Air Jordan I Mid Subway.

Release Details

The Air Jordan I Mid Subway will be released on May 14 in grade school, preschool, and toddler sizes on nike.com and at Nike House of Innovation NYC and Nike Soho.

About Jordan Brand Wings

Jordan Brand Wings was established in 2015 to remove barriers that prevent young people from accessing educational opportunities. The Design Program is one of four main global investments made by Wings. Working with members of the Jordan Brand Design team, the program supports students and acts as a launchpad for those with creative ambitions, whether they aspire to attend design school, start their own brand, or create products for social change in their local communities.

Honoring the MTA Workers

The limited-edition Air Jordan 1 Mid is a thank-you to the MTA crews who tirelessly help New Yorkers reach their destination. Inspirational phrases adorn the shoe, recognizing the MTA employees for their service. “Always Go Forward” appears on the toe, honoring the mindset of the crews who move NYC along, even through difficult times. “Thank You For All You Do” appears on the backside of the tongue. Other details of the shoe are inspired by the unmistakable branding of the transit system (explore more of those details in the photo captions below).

Student Designer’s Pride

“I feel so proud thinking about the people who will be wearing and enjoying this shoe,” says Oscar Chun, one of the NYC student designers. “Now I know what it must feel like when musicians hear their songs on the radio for the first time.”

Release Information

The Air Jordan I Mid Subway releases May 14 in grade school, preschool, and toddler sizes on nike.com and at Nike House of Innovation NYC and Nike Soho. Learn more about the Jordan Brand Wings initiative here.

YOU ASKED…

What is the Jordan Wings Design Program?

The Jordan Wings Design Program is an initiative started by Jordan Brand Wings to help students break down barriers to educational opportunities through creative projects.

Who participated in designing the Air Jordan I Mid Subway?

More than 130 high school students from Jordan Brand Wings partner organizations nationwide worked with the Jordan Brand product-creation team.

What is the inspiration behind the Air Jordan I Mid Subway?

The design is inspired by the staff of the MTA, the largest public transit system in North America, who are considered the unsung heroes of NYC.

When will the Air Jordan I Mid Subway be released?

The sneaker will be available on May 14 in grade school, preschool, and toddler sizes on nike.com and at Nike House of Innovation NYC and Nike Soho.