One of Michael Jordan’s lesser-celebrated sneakers, the Air Jordan 17, has experienced a renaissance in recent years. Led by strategic, limited-edition launches of the model’s low-top iteration, the sneaker has become coveted despite a higher-than-usual retail price of $300. With plenty of momentum behind it, the Air Jordan 17 Low is now gearing up for its very first collaboration.
Officially scheduled for an October release is the Infinite Archives x Air Jordan 17 Low. After early leaks and a number of teasers previewed by Infinite Archives founder Isimeme c throughout the year, Otabor revealed Tuesday the first full look at the sneaker. Using a Beach/Metallic Silver/Black colorway, the collaboration is subtle in its overall design, but has some multicolor touches hidden throughout.
The pops of color are most visible on the Air Jordan 17’s signature protective sticker-covered chrome heel cap, which appears to have been given an iridescent finish that shifts between a spectrum of colors. This is carried over to the front half of the outsole, which splits its herringbone traction patterns into segments of red, yellow, purple, blue and black. Further changes made to the Infinite Archives collaboration include a perforated leather eyestay and a branded woven tag at the top of the shoe’s bootie.
Infinite Archives x Air Jordan 17 Low.
@infinitearchives
Previous iterations of the sneaker shared by Otabor included three versions of the Air Jordan 17 Low with blue, red and purple covering their TPU heel counters. Additional context from Otabor hinted that the shoe’s purple version was inspired by former NBA great Mike Bibby, who had his own player exclusion version of the sneaker. At this time, it appears that those pairs will remain exclusive to Otabor.
Infinite Archives was founded by Otabor in 2015 as a visual record of the intersection between art, music, sports, politics and pop culture. Its mission, according to its website, is to “emphasize the importance of history in relation to the present.”
Meanwhile, the Infinite Archives x Air Jordan 17 Low is expected to be released on Oct. 17 for a retail price of $305. Stockists have not been confirmed, but the shoe will likely be available from Infinite Archives, Snkrs and select Jordan Brand Nbhd retailers. The sneaker’s SKU is IH0177-200.