crooked tongues magazine News Features

We thought the Air Revolution makeup of the Jordan Flight 45 was a good look, and the White, Spice and Wolf Grey is a little excessive on the contrast stitching, but still appeals more than many other hybrids. The futuristic 'Jordan' script on the strap still isn't ideal, but at least it isn't embossed on an out-of-place patent application—now the sheen is kept to a black heel panel instead. The tumble leather effect feels a little more premium, and the application of Spice red, recently applied to a Jordan 1 sets off the Velcro fastening nicely. Jordan Brand's Yeezy response gets just enough of the spirit of '88 in the mix to feel like some kind of lost Jordan III prototype.

We still don't know how the Jordan III and Solo Flight got fused (presumably, the brief was simple—channel the current post-Kanye '80s hi-top zeitgeist), but it makes light work of any theories that Nike and JB want to keep it seperated. There might not be a swoosh, but the union of Flight script with the Jumpman still looks excellent. As a finishing touch, the iconic plastic 'Nike Air' hangtag (that local rudeys used to keep intact) gets a Jumpman twist too to match the referenced era's costliest output. While the shoe's okay, it's that kind of attention-to-detail that really sells this Flight 45 to us. An oddity from the brand, but one we're always pleased to see.

See all Jordan shoes instore now
See all basketball shoes instore now