Air Jordan 1s reimagined for car racing
A player-exclusive version of the Air Jordan 1 basketball shoe has been made for American NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) driver and Jordan Brand athlete Denny Hamlin (pictured).
Designed by Tobie Hatfield, the footwear, named Air Jordan 1 Racer PE, resembles its namesake sneaker in silhouette, but features elements specially intended for the racetrack.
Notably, flexibility (in the form of a rubber outsole) and heat protection (employing heat-resistant materials used by the aeronautics industry) have been particularly prioritised, with fireproof laces and an upper crafted from fireproof suede, embossed with Mr Hamlin’s racing number (#11) and the Jumpman logo.
The black, white, purple and orange colourway reflects the driver’s team colours.
“Nine times out of ten, if you see me on the street, I’m wearing Air Jordan 1s,” Mr Hamlin said. “This Air Jordan 1 Racer PE is special for a lot of reasons. Jordan Brand actually built the heat shield into the heel of my shoe, so my feet never get too hot. This is also the first time my racing shoe has the Air Jordan wings logo on it.”
Credit: Jordan Brand.
