Air Jordan XXXIII: Timeless Design & Innovative Advances
It has been nearly two decades since Michael Jordan stepped foot on an NBA court as a player, but his footprint continues via present athletes and fans wearing his signature sneakers year after year. Beyond the mass popularity of retro Air Jordans, Jordan Brand works concurrently to honor its function-first innovation ethos with continuous sneaker releases, including an annual addition to the signature line. In 2018, a new laceless experience was introduced in the Air Jordan 33.
The Inspiration: Air Jordan 33 Future of Flight
Flight remains an evergreen theme within the Jordan Brand DNA — this time introducing "Flight Utility" as a design ethos that would be manifested into the footwear and apparel designs into 2021 and beyond. Tate Kuerbis, lead designer on the Air Jordan 33, calls out the inspiration from the look and functionality of space suits: "It's all very utilitarian, and the various elements and what they do are all clearly called out."
The tightening system is indicated with a tab labeled "PULL" on the top of the foot, above the tongue, alongside an equally obvious marked loop to reset the tightness. Under the shoe's sole is a window to the FastFit system that rotates as tightened, upholding another common theme in Air Jordan designs: visible technology.
The Air Jordan 33 includes design cues from past Air Jordan sneakers. There are nods to the Air Jordan 3 like the "Nike Air" on the heel tab and the extra-large tongue, both of which debuted on the AJ3 under Tinker Hatfield. Similarly, its precursors, the Air Jordan 31 and 32, took inspiration from the Air Jordan 1 and Air Jordan 2.
The Air Jordan XXXIII Introduces New Nike Tech
In the fall of 2018, Jordan Brand unveiled the Air Jordan XXXIII (33) while also introducing Nike's FastFit technology to the basketball category. At the time, FastFit was a new lacing system designed to provide "ultimate 360 lockdown" to replace traditional shoelaces with a highly thoughtful and customizable interaction with the shoe activated through a simple tug of a strap located on the tongue. FastFit was previously found only in premium Nike Golf shoes such as the Nike Golf Tour Premiere.
Air Jordan 33 Colorways and Collectibility
The Air Jordan 33 features some notable colorways. The OG color of any Jordan sneaker tends to be the most favored — for the 33, it was the "Future of Flight" in the signature OG white, red and black (AQ8830-100). Perhaps the most popular colorway of this model is the Travis Scott edition (CD5965-300). The Scott version features neutral earth tones of greens and browns, with small bright green and yellow pops throughout. Another highly valued colorway, though not necessarily as globally popular, is the Guo Ailun PE.
Air Jordan 33 - The "Future of Flight"
Air Jordan 33 - The Travis Scott edition (CD5965-300)
Air Jordan 33 - Utility Blackout (AQ8830-002)
Air Jordan 33 - University Red (AQ8830-600)
Other notable colorways include the Vast Grey, (AQ8830-004) Chinese New Year, Utility Blackout (AQ8830-002) and University Red (AQ8830-600), which currently sell below retail value. So, how collectible is the Air Jordan 33? It's not considered a rare Jordan and generally appeals to consumers looking specifically for a basketball performance shoe. That said, it's impossible to rule out its value 30 years from now. Early Air Jordans, especially from their original release, are at peak value today. And with how the basketball sneaker space is trending, this may happen with the Air Jordan 33. For example, the Kobe and LeBron lines have gained popularity in recent years.
If you're planning to start collecting new Jordan releases, look toward upcoming models. Following the Air Jordan 33, Jordan Brand launched the Air Jordan 34 and Air Jordan 35, and more releases are around the corner.
Taking Tech to New Heights
It's clear that the Air Jordan 33 features highly innovative technology to enhance the wearer's experience. The Flight Plate applies the same composition as the Nike Zoom Vaporfly 4% — a highly debated sneaker within the running community for its effectiveness and potential advantages. This Flight Plate is sandwiched between the Zoom Air Unit and the shoe's sole for a highly responsive step.
This can be found along the midsole, toward the forefoot, and is indicated with a small stripe, usually in a different color. The cables are made of Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene, similar to the cords used in parachutes, making them exceedingly durable. Between that and the housing design, the AJ33 can withhold up to 30kg of pressure.
How Does FastFit Work?
FastFit is designed to provide a consistent fit that delivers equal pressure across the top of the foot and stays cinched throughout multi-directional movements, as experienced in basketball. The large loops on the tongue and heel encourage easier entry, along with the padded heel. The "pull" strap layered over the tongue activates the cables, while the loop on the side ejects the cables.
Jordans Release Dates, News and Articles
Attention all sneakerheads and basketball fans! Read all about the oldest and latest Jordan releases on the eBay Sneaker Hub. From iconic retro styles to new collaborations, you'll find everything you need to know to complete your Jordan collection.