3 Jordan Sneakers We Think Zion Williamson Should Wear

The history: Launched in 2005, the Air Jordan XX commemorates the 20th anniversary of Nike working with MJ. The designer of the shoe, Gentry Humphrey, decided to tap David Monette, who custom-designs trumpets, and Nike creative director Mark Smith for assistance to include laser-cut designs on the midfoot strapping of the shoe. Each symbol on the strap represents one of MJ’s most important life moments, such as a 1976 Chevrolet Monte Carlo (the car his mother, Deloris, drove around when MJ sat in the backseat) and a toolbox with the word “Pops” on it (paying homage his dad, a reliable handyman). In addition, there’s a “44DT” graphic that represents Hall of Fame baller David Thompson, the NBA great MJ idolized. 

Why we love it: With a cool strap to provide ankle support, the phenomenal sneaker designers at Jordan would crush it if they created a special PE (player exclusive) pair for Williamson that represents his journey to superstardom in the NBA. From competing in youth leagues where his mother was the head coach to sporting the number 12 at Spartanburg High School, to becoming a Duke legend, the creative geniuses at Jordan would absolutely run with the baton and stand out amongst other sneaker companies by showing fans that they know how to treat their superstar clients. Helping a player with that caliber of talent become a superstar with their first rookie shoe is a major move.

Using his most important life events to create a time map that reminds Zion of his journey to the pinnacle of his most recent success would make for one transcendent shoe. 

The history: A hybrid version of the Air Jordan Spizike shoe and the Air Jordan Dub Zero, the Air Jordan 6 Rings meshes details of each shoe that helped his Airness win six NBA titles. For example, the heel loop and lace locks of the Air Jordan VI are meshed with the sock liner from the Air Jordan VII, representing the first two championships MJ won in 1991 and 1992. 

Why we love it: Nicknamed “the championship sneaker,” the Air Jordan 6 Rings is the perfect shoe to keep Williamson motivated and focused on surpassing the man who recruited him to be the face of the Jordan brand. Already coming into the league with a target on his back, plenty of players will be willing to expose him as a pretender. But just like Jordan, Williamson is an ultimate competitor, and this will only make him play better and compete harder to prove he is a champion.

You never know, another 20 years from now, the good folks at Jordan may create a new sneaker known as the Zion 8 Rings to commemorate his success as he builds New Orleans into a hoops dynasty.

The history: If there’s a stylish shoe that can be worn during games while providing the support to keep Williamson from experiencing another nasty spill like the one he suffered during the rivalry game against North Carolina, it’s the Dub Zero. An infusion of the Air Jordan IV, Air Jordan VI, Air Jordan XI, Air Jordan XII, Air Jordan XIII, Air Jordan XV, Air Jordan XVII and Air Jordan XX, the Dub Zero is considered to be one of the most legendary designs Tinker Hatfield—creator of the Air Jordan I—has ever invented.

Why we love it: The patent-leather aesthetics of the Air Jordan XI mesh with the shape and upper sole of the shoe to protect an athlete’s powerful foot, as it did for MJ when he sported the Air Jordan XIII. This is the perfect reason why Williamson would be the ideal candidate to show how much ice you need in your veins to dominate your competition.

After all, MJ was a cold-blooded assassin on the court. Williamson has the potential to do the same as the new face of Jordan and possibly of the NBA. Especially if he’s wearing the Air Jordan Dub Zeros.