Andrew Rizzo Jordan Brand doesn’t release sneakers for Jackie Robinson Day, but it always makes sure its roster of MLB stars is dressed to the nines for the occasion. 2026 was no exception, with the Jumpman crafting a standout Air Jordan 11 cleat inspired by Jackie’s bronze Hall of Fame plaque.
It appears both mid and low-top styles were issued to Jordan’s MLB athletes, each featuring a premium blue upper with bronze leather wrapping the mudguard, a nod to Jackie’s immortality in Cooperstown. Even more impressive than the cleats themselves is what Jordan Brand athletes did in them.
Aaron Judge did what Aaron Judge does, launching his league-leading seventh home run to put the Yankees ahead early in the first inning. His teammate Jazz Chisholm made a quiet nod to the civil right hero, forgoing his usual tailored uniform in favor of high socks and baggy pants, just like Jackie wore them. He also sparked a hit-and-run that helped lift the Yankees to a walk-off, come-from-behind win in the ninth. Dodgers star Mookie Betts didn’t play, but he did catch the ceremonial first pitch from Jackie Robinson’s granddaughter, Sonya, at Chavez Ravine. But we’re particularly impressed by Elly De La Cruz, who launched a 442-foot rocket with #42 on his back – just the kind of moment that makes you believe in the baseball gods.
These cleats won’t see a public release, but we’ll go ahead and file them under Jordan Brand’s already strong archive of Jackie Robinson PEs. See detailed images from around the league below.
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