First Look at the Second Spider-Man Air Jordan 1

The world between comic books and sneakers is more intertwined than some may realise, with each camp sharing a variety of values from collecting pieces to the meaning behind them. Following leaked images of the latest Spider-Man Air Jordan 1, both parties are set to be catered for. 

Seeing our favourite comic book heroes and villains lovingly referenced within sneakers, as well as music with the likes of MF DOOM as a prime example, is certainly nothing new. Furthering this, it appears that 2022 could be the start of a new wave of projects that overlap with the eclectic world of Marvel and the gritty tones of DC. 

Recently we’ve been treated by Jordan Brand to a slew of Jordan 1 releases from the ‘Taxi’ to the highly anticipated ‘Lost and Found’ aka OG Chicago. A feature that many fans were interested in on the recent Lost and Found release was the storytelling, exploring the origins of the AJ1 from its initial RRP to including original adverts printed on the paper within.

While the story was enough to get fans excited, in addition to the fact that it’s the return of what is widely considered to be one if not the greatest sneakers of all time, it's rare to have a sneaker designed as if it's bringing the film to life. 

That is exactly what the upcoming Spider-Man x Air Jordan 1 does. 

Keen fans of the Spider-Man franchise may remember that the recently leaked release isn’t the first to accompany the films with the first project arriving in 2018 in tandem with the ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse x Air Jordan 1 'Origin Story'’. Taking direct inspiration from the film, which perfectly blended a myriad of different art styles with no motion blur to give it an authentic comic book style, the sneakers included a set of grip dots across the upper in addition to an icy blue midsole and blue tongue tab. 

As with most sneaker releases of late, rumours and early ideations of what the latest collaboration could look like began to emerge in October with @zsneakerheadsz posting a mockup graphic of the Bred Jordan 1 with a white Swoosh and spider web detailing. However, thanks to a second account (@xcmade) images of what is said to be the official pair have sprung up online. 

A far cry from the mockups made in October, the images of what is said to be the next Air Jordan 1 release to accompany the soon-to-arrive Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse takes its base inspiration from the Chicago Air Jordan 1. A variety of materials and details have been included in the upper, developing the original features seen around the toebox and white panelling, including patent leather around the heel and on the Swoosh, suede sections, some of which appear to have a faux dirt aesthetic, in addition to the ben-day dot design used in many comic books. 

The midsole remains the same bright white as the original, as with the tongue which sees a red ‘Nike Air’ tongue tab, however, on the outsole, Jordan Brand has opted to include a semi-translucent finish as was featured on the initial 2018 pair.

In comparison to its predecessor, the upcoming Spider-Man Air Jordan 1 takes its source material a step further bringing eye-catching detail which could put some people off. But at the same time, it could be the perfect release for those who are genuinely interested in the franchise. 

With the return of the classic BAPE x Marvel BAPESTA collaboration in addition to the soon-to-arrive Spider-Man Air Jordan 1, could we be seeing the emergence of a larger crossover between comics and sneakers? Time will tell. 

Till then, keep it Kick Game.