First Look: Michael Jordan’s Original Air Jordan 8 ‘Aqua’ Makes a Comeback for the First Time in a Decade
Update: Dec. 18, 2024 at 3:55 p.m. ET:
One of 2025’s most anticipated Air Jordan Retro sneakers just got a first look.
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Images of the ’25 iteration of the Air Jordan 8 Retro “Aqua” have surfaced via leaker @prm.cotd. While it doesn’t provide a full look at all angles of the sneaker, the photoset does offer a good idea of what to expect when the sneaker arrives.
Visually, the latest Air Jordan 8 Retro “Aqua” appears to closely mimic the original version of the shoe, which was worn by Michael Jordan in the 1993 NBA All-Star Game. The only original non-Chicago Bulls colorway of the sneaker, the “Aqua” colorway was also worn by Jordan in promotional photos and has become a fan favorite look in the decades following its release.
The shoe blends a majority black nubuck upper with portions of gray suede. On this colorway, it’s the Bright Concord and Aqua Tone colors which adorn the midsole and chenille tongue patch that give the shoe its distinctive nickname.
Like the original ’93 version, the purple portions of the midsole feature a glittery finish, which appears to be somewhat toned down from the previous 2015 release. The shoes also feature two large support straps which wrap across the shoe, although they’re reversed and covering up the “23” branding in these early images.
In addition to the first look at the upcoming pair, a tentative release window has also been established. According to @zsneakerheadz, the Air Jordan 8 Retro “Aqua” will be released during July in full family sizing. A retail price of $210 is expected.
What We Originally Reported on July 6, 2024
One of Michael Jordan’s most important sneakers is reportedly set for a comeback after a decade-long hiatus.
Last seen in 2015, the Air Jordan 8 “Aqua” will return in 2025 according to industry insiders. The black-based style, which is accented with vibrant tones, was originally released in 1993 as part of the Tinker Hatfield-designed model’s first run. On court, it was worn by Jordan during the ‘93 NBA All-Star Game where he represented the Eastern Conference and faced off against players such as Karl Malone and John Stockton — who ultimately went on to share co-MVP honors.
The decidedly ‘90s “Aqua” look is packed with a myriad of era-specific details. The shoe boasts Bright Concord purple and Aquatone teal accents, an abstract paint stroke pattern that covers the insole, outsole and midsole and a multicolored chenille Jumpman logo on the tongue. Other features that were seen on early ‘90s sneakers are also present including an inner bootie sleeve and intersecting straps that wrap across the midfoot for stability.
One of three original Air Jordan 8s, the “Aqua” style was unique in that it did not match the colors of the Chicago Bulls. Other original styles included the white “Bugs Bunny” and black “Playoffs” renditions. Due to the NBA’s uniform restrictions at the time, Jordan never wore the “Aqua” sneakers during regular season play and instead opted to lace them up during the All-Star Game. A fan favorite colorway, the “Aqua” Air Jordan 8 has received the retro treatment in 2007 and ’15. The style was repurposed for offshoot models including 2010’s Air Jordan Fusion 8 and 2012’s Jordan 8.0 and was also used on an Air Jordan 6 from 2023.
After 10 years, the Air Jordan 8 “Aqua” will be rereleased in ’25. The news comes from trusted sources including @zsneakerheadz and Sneaker Files. Retail pricing has not been confirmed, but the “Black/True Red/Iron Grey/Bright Concord/Aquatone” colorway is expected to come in its original form. For now, readers can view detailed images of the ’15 iteration below.
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