It came as quite a surprise to the shoe-industry when basketball star Dwyane Wade, a long-time pro with Converse, signed a contract with the Air Jordan brand. The reason behind his new contract with Jordan Brand became more clear when it was recently announced that Dwyane Wade would be the first sole pitchman for the Air Jordan game shoe. Yes, Jordan Brand has many basketball players on its roster, but they all have personally designed shoes that differ from the actual AJ game shoe that was only promoted by Jordan when he was an active player.

This is a little surprising as most fans would think a high profile player like Dwyane Wade would be rockin’ his own signature shoe within the AJ brand.  Instead, Wade will be “stepping” into the shoes of, arguably, the greatest player the game of basketball has ever seen and promoting the Air Jordans as just that…Air Jordans. This is a bold step by Michael Jordan, showing that he has started to look more into the future of his brand by allowing another face to take some of the spotlight.

So what about the actual shoe? Tinker Hatfield, VP of design for Nike, has come back on board to lend his design eye to the AJ2010. Hatfield had his hand in the design of many iconic Air Jordans including the AJIII through XV, XX, and XXIII. So Michael, Tinker, and Mark Smith (creative director at Jordan Brand) sat down and created one of the more innovative Jordan’s to date.

The AJ2010 may look a little different and may take some time to get used to, but the thought process behind the design and overall functionality is second to none. So let’s break the shoe down some: The AJ2010 has a full length Zoom Air bottom that was derived from a very low profile running shoe. This aids in better on-the-court feel while still providing the disbursement of impact.

In the upper portion of the shoe you will notice a circular perforated design that was manufactured for both design and functionality. The perforations help the shoe breath while the circular pattern mimics the large TPU clear circle or window on the sides of each shoe. This circular, clear element is a design that MJ fought for as he wanted it to give consumers a “look” into the mystique of the Jordan Brand.

Moving up the shoe you will notice an asymmetrical collar. This innovative collar has an inside portion that is higher than the outside portion, boasting better natural ankle support while still providing maximum flexibility for sprinting. Heading back down the shoe you will see an all red midsole. This midsole looks like a series of engraved wavy lines but in all actuality it is a quote from Jordan that I will let you check your for yourselves.

On the toe of the shoe you will notice a very clean and simple look. Having a cleanly designed toe is historically requested by Michael and the AJ2010 is no exception with it’s unobstructed, independent forefoot. Functionality-wise, the independent forefoot increases strength and support but still allows for natural flexibility. The base of the AJ2010 is supported by outrigger portions that support lateral stability and aid in reducing possible ankle injury. These are very subtle outriggers compared to other basketball shoes like the Nike Hyperdunks, but the functionality is still the same.

All in all I think Tinker Hatfield said it best, “The 2010 Air Jordan looks like a part of the legend of Jordan & the future of Jordan.”

The Air Jordan 2010 will go on sale February 13, 2010 and is reported to run around $170.00. However, you can catch a glimpse of them when they  debut on Dwyane Wade’s feet in January and decide for yourself if you want to make the big purchase.