An Air Jordan 14 colorway that leans even further into the model’s inspiration from Ferraris is about to return to stores for the first time.
The Air Jordan 14 “Ferrari” will release in April, ending an 11-year wait since the colorway was first introduced in 2014. While the model already incorporates elements from Ferrari, this edition leans into the association further with a bright red suede upper to go along with yellow branding and carbon fiber paneling on the midsole. And despite being a non-original colorway, sneakerheads immediately took to the variant.
Michael Jordan ended his career with the Chicago Bulls in the Air Jordan 14, but it didn’t actually release until after the second of his three retirements. Designer Tinker Hatfield asked Jordan not to wear the prototype, but he ignored him and wore it for the NBA Finals and his iconic “Last Shot” to clinch his sixth title.
Hatfield took inspiration from Jordan’s Ferrari 550M for the shoe’s design, with the badge beneath the collar mimicking the Italian automaker’s crest as the most obvious tie. The striped portion of the midsole also takes after the luxury sports car’s grille and body kit, while the rubber heel is modeled after tires and the quilted upper borrows from its interior. The toe’s shark tooth-like shape invokes the headlights, and as a fan-favorite fun fact, each pair features a total of 14 Jumpman logos.
Following the introduction of the “Ferrari” colorway in 2014, a “Reverse Ferrari” edition clad in yellow while maintaining the carbon fiber dropped five years later. 2019 also brought the “Black Ferrari” colorway, with the color-swapping carrying over the Jumpman badge.
The Air Jordan 14 “Ferrari” will release in April through the Snkrs app and select-third-party retailers. Pricing is set at $210 for adult sizing, and kids’ sizing will be made available for the first time as well.
Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.
