Ever since the Michael Jordan Jumpman23 account tweeted about the upcoming partnership with the anime Naruto fans, fans have been speculating about what the final designs would look like. The mystery is finally over, as Jordan unveiled the official designs on April 26, 2022.
NBA’s Zion Williamson, an American basketball player for the New Orleans Pelicans, has been cited as hyped by Jordan Naruto sneakers.
“Two of my childhood favorites: Michael Jordan and then Naruto. Both were able to work together and bring my vision to life. You can’t make this up. You have no idea how much this means to me.”
Zion Williamson
The tweet just declared that the Zion Williamson x Naruto shoe collection is “coming soon. Believe it.”
From his own Twitter account, Zion Williamson also tweeted:
“I love sharing this story with the world. The @Jumpman23 Zion 1 X Naruto collection is inspired by our parallel paths to overcome adversity. Keep spinning! #Believe it.”
Zion Williamson also tweeted today about how Naruto’s creator Masashi Kishimoto gifted him a drawing that turned him into a ninja!
Leaked designs sparked controversy on Twitter before official release
@hulkgamerxx shared the leaked shoe designs in a tweet on April 24, 2022:
Fans did not know whether these designs were fake, counterfeit or the official design. There have been mixed reviews of the designs so far, with some fans praising the designs while others calling them “tacky retro.”
More photos of the sneakers have just been released:
Fans miss the classic feel of the Coach X Jordan X Naruto collab
This is not the first time that Michael B Jordan has entered into an interesting collaboration with the anime Naruto. Jordan happens to be Coach’s global ambassador and released his first anime collaboration in 2019.
It was therefore no surprise to his friends that he chose his favorite anime: Naruto. The story of the anime revolves around Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja who wants to become the Hokage – the strongest ninja in his village.
Anime otaku and diehard Naruto fans will easily recognize motifs inspired by the anime, such as Sharingan and Sennin eyes. The collection, which also features Naruto, Sasuke and Itachi motifs, consists of unisex streetwear, ready-to-wear parkas, pullovers, t-shirts, shoes and bags. The clothes are comfortable and practical – what a ninja’s wardrobe should be.
Jordan’s partnership with Coach and Naruto certainly set the bar high for this next collaboration, which may be why some fans are disappointed with the designs revealed and wish the designs were a little more “serious” and “classic” like the Coach- to design. Those not into the sneaker designs can always check out the hip clothing line that was also unveiled!
This year in 2022 saw a wave of luxury fashion brands teaming up with Japanese anime and manga to bring limited edition collections. Anime otaku fondly remembers Coach X Michael B Jordan X Naruto’s collaboration in 2019.
In 2020, following in Coach’s footsteps, Longchamp decided to team up with Pokemon. Then in 2021 there was the GUCCI X Doraemon collab.
These fashion labels have managed to capture the attention of an entirely new clientele thanks to these visually striking collaborations that focus on favorite anime and manga characters.
In early 2021, Spanish luxury house Loewe launched a collection inspired by the anime My Neighbor Totoro. In January 2022, Loewe released another collection inspired by the anime Spirited Away.
Upcoming collaborations and recently released collaborations we’re keeping an eye on include Maje X Sailor Moon, Vans X JoJo, and more. Read my other article on the best high-fashion anime clothes in the link to see my top picks from each collection and find out which anime-inspired collection will be launching in the coming months. (The Maje X Sailor Moon inspired clothing line launched today, April 26, 2022.)
What do you think of the new Jordan X Zion X Naruto sneakers and apparel? Make sure to comment below with your thoughts!
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