John Kim Jordan Brand is right on the cusp of unleashing the post-Last Dance era of Air Jordan back into the mix. While several silhouettes such as the Air Jordan 16 and Air Jordan 17 can be impactful to the culture with their designs untouched, there are a few that, despite irking purists, could benefit from practical revisions.
Inspired by the X-15 fighter jet and designed by Tinker Hatfield, the fifteenth model was easily the most polarizing Air Jordan to date. There are several details that mark the Air Jordan 15, like the woven Kevlar upper, the rubberized heel, and the mid-foot, but it was the tongue design that was the real make-or-break for basketball shoe fanatics. The tongue and ankle were one, lipping outwards and protruding forward like Michael Jordan’s actual tongue. While it allowed the shoe to stand out, the Air Jordan 15 was challenging to wear casually.
For 2026, Jordan Brand will be bringing back the Air Jordan 15 under a designated 23RE label with a completely revised tongue/ankle set-up. The trademark detail has been adjusted to create more of an ankle cuff-like set-up that would look strong with shorts and baggier pants; a Black/Muslin colorway is expected next Summer, according to mock-ups shared by @zsneakerheadz/Sneaker Files.
The 23RE (revised? remix?) will apply to other silhouettes in the post-Bulls era of Air Jordan, adjusting to modern tastes and trends for more casual wearability. The Air Jordan 16, for example, was renowned for the removable gaiter, but it was somewhat of an obsolete detail for being nearly impossible to wear due to its extremely tight fit. The Air Jordan 18 is another model that Sneaker News can confirm (also corroborated by @zsneakerheadz/Sneaker Files) will be part of 23RE. Stay tuned for more updates; see what’s coming soon on our Jordan Release Dates page.
