This month, the London Lions announced they’ll be the first British basketball team to have Jordan Brand as its uniform sponsor. And in an act of further commitment to the country’s hoop scene, a U.K.-exclusive Air Jordan 4 is right around the corner.
The Air Jordan 4 “London” sees its upper shift from its usual nubuck to a shaggy gray suede. Monochromatic features carry through with lighter gray eyestay clips and netting, as well as a predominantly black midsole, TPU wings and lining. A rust-like brown is used for the outsole and branding on the tongue and heel, while a sandy hue forms the midsole’s heel region.
The greatest flourish arrives via the Air Jordan 4’s mustache, which has raised “Air” text on a transparent layer with “LDN” text visible underneath. A hidden detail can also be found on the inner-tongue tag, which reads, “Say Less.”
Air Jordans aren’t nearly as popular in the U.K., or Europe in general, as they are in the U.S., so this London edition could be seen as an effort to change that. Another regional exclusive is slated in September for Japan, where Jordans do historically fare well, with an Air Jordan 12 calling back to the time Michael Jordan referred an exhibition game pitting NBA players against three sumo wrestlers.
Another Air Jordan 4 release in November will bring one of the most anticipated of all Air Jordans of the year, as the original “Bred” colorway gets its most faithful recreation yet.
The Air Jordan 4 “London” will release Sept. 12 exclusively through U.K. channels. Pricing is set at $220.
Air Jordan 4 “London” [IV6048-001] (pair)
Air Jordan 4 “London” [IV6048-001] (above)
Air Jordan 4 “London” [IV6048-001] (heel)
Air Jordan 4 “London” [IV6048-001] (inner-tongue detail)