Created by Student Designers, This Air Jordan I Mid Is Inspired by the Unsung Heroes of NYC

Jordan Brand Wings started in 2015 to break down the barriers that hold young people back from educational opportunities. One of four key global investments from Wings is the Design Program. In partnership with Jordan Brand Design team members, the program serves students and acts as a launchpad for those with creative passions or ambitions, whether they dream of pursuing design school, starting their own brand, or creating products for social change that are rooted in their local cities.

The latest release from the Jordan Wings Design Program, the Air Jordan I Mid Subway, is inspired by the unsung heroes of NYC: the staff of the MTA, the largest public transit system in North America.

During the course of six weeks, more than 130 high school students from nationwide Jordan Brand Wings partner organizations worked closely with members of the Jordan Brand product-creation team to design an Air Jordan I centered on the theme of “role models.” These students, from cities including Los Angeles; Chicago; Charlotte, N.C.; Philadelphia and more, were encouraged to weave personal narratives into their designs, creatively honoring the local figures who support their dreams. Students from each city pitched their final designs to a broad panel of Jordan Brand employees, who selected one final design to go into production: New York City’s Air Jordan 1 Mid Subway.

The limited-edition Air Jordan 1 Mid is a thank-you to the MTA crews who tirelessly help New Yorkers reach their destination. Inspirational phrases adorn the shoe, recognizing the MTA employees for their service. “Always Go Forward” appears on the toe, honoring the mindset of the crews who move NYC along, even through difficult times. “Thank You For All You Do” appears on the backside of the tongue. Other details of the shoe are inspired by the unmistakable branding of the transit system (explore more of those details in the photo captions below).

“I feel so proud thinking about the people who will be wearing and enjoying this shoe,” says Oscar Chun, one of the NYC student designers. “Now I know what it must feel like when musicians hear their songs on the radio for the first time.”

The Air Jordan I Mid Subway releases May 15 in grade school, preschool and toddler sizes on nike.com and at Nike House of Innovation NYC and Nike Soho. Learn more about the Jordan Brand Wings initiative here.