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Sneakers Release- Jordan Zion 1 “Gen Zion” Launching April 29

Sneakers Release- Jordan Zion 1 “Gen Zion” Launching April 29

Apr 26, 2021

One clip was all it took for what was happening in a small high school gymnasium in South Carolina to command the attention of the entire world.

What started with one clip soon became an endless stream of highlight reels illustrating athletic defiance and impossibility. Ignited by fire emojis and fueled by infinite retweets, Zion Williamson, quickly became the face of Gen Z, crowned with a blue checkmark on his social media accounts and a spread of front-page articles dubbing him the future of basketball.

It didn’t take long for Jordan Brand to take notice of the New Orleans Pelicans’ first overall pick of the 2019 NBA Draft. Williamson joined the elite group of Jordan athletes that same year.

Jordan Zion 1 "Gen Zion" Men's and Kids' Basketball Shoe

Throughout the 2019-2020 season, Zion sported the Air Jordan 34 on the court, but in 2021, he’s pulling ranks with the select few, like Russell Westbrook, who will have his own signature collection under the Jordan umbrella. throughout the 2019–2020 season.

Launching on April 29, the Jordan Zion 1, will be available in toddler, preschool, grade school and men’s sizes. Inspired by the virality of his gameplay, the “Gen Zion” Zion 1 colorway celebrates Zion’s ascension to the spotlight and representation of the next generation of the game.

Jordan Zion 1 "Gen Zion" Men's and Kids' Basketball Shoe

So far, Jordan has been tight-lipped about the exact details of this highly anticipated release and the inspiration for its colorway. But judging by the shoes’ black, white and Metallic Gold coloring, we can pretty safely guess that Zion’s Pelicans and the city of New Orleans had some influence on this inaugural colorway.

A synthetic upper provides structure around the Zion 1’s heel and mesh netting overlays run from the midfoot to the toe box. Geometric shapes coat the mesh in those high-wear areas for extra abrasion resistance. And both Williamson and Jordan branding can be found on the tongue and insoles, along with Zion’s signature, scribbled graffiti-style on the heel tab.

Jordan Zion 1 "Gen Zion" Men's and Kids' Basketball Shoe

An external heel counter curves around the shoe, while a foam midsole provides all the comfort Williamson needs to go for a basket in NOLA’s Smoothie King Center. The shoe’s patchwork-like outsole features a data-generated traction pattern. And, if you look closely, you’ll see the people and places that shaped Williamson’s life and his work — from his mother Sharonda’s name to his humble Spartanburg, South Carolina beginnings.

One season into his professional career, Zion Williamson has already shown his staying power in the NBA. Prepare yourself (and your sneaker collection) for the next generation of Jordan kicks. Shop the all-new Jordan Zion 1 “Gen Zion” basketball shoe in toddler, preschool, grade school and men’s sizes this April at Hibbett | City Gear.

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