When it comes to iconic sneakers, the Jordan brand is synonymous with excellence. Among its vast collection of timeless footwear, the Jordan Tatum 1 shoes stand out as a testament to both style and performance. Crafted with precision and inspired by basketball legend Michael Jordan, the Jordan Tatum 1 shoes have captured the hearts of sneaker enthusiasts and athletes alike. In this blog post, we delve into the features that make the Jordan Tatum 1 shoes a must-have for any shoe aficionado.

Celtics Forward Jayson Tatum debuted a new colorway for the Jordan Tatum 1s titled “Barbershop,” which draws inspiration for his love of keeping up with his fresh cut. The JT1 “Barbershop” colorway officially releases in April on Nike’s website and in select retailers, but the Celtics forward gave fans a peak of the new shoe recently in a game against the Pacers.

After signing with Jordan in 2019, Tatum finally debuted his first line of signature shoes with the Jumpman brand during 2023 All-Star Weekend, where he wore both the “Zoo” and “Pink Lemonade” colorways in a historic performance during the All-Star Game. The “Barbershop” colorway features a knit-mesh upper in various hues of tan and brown with a black overlay. On both heels is a red Jumpman logo on the shoe’s back straps, which are detailed in red, white, and blue, similar to a barber’s pole you would see outside of a barbershop. The colorway is finished with Tatum’s “JT” logo in gold on both tongues, as well as the shoe’s side. 

Uppers/ Durability

Tatum's Foot Doctor described the uppers of the Air Jordan Tatum 1 basketball shoe as being lightweight. He noted that Jason Tatum’s design inspiration for the shoe was to emphasize the forefoot so that a player could feel the ground, while still offering performance. The upper consists of two layers: an intricate knitted layer and a tighter TPU layer providing stability. The uppers were tested with a Dremel tool for 10 seconds and the first layer was penetrated, but not the second. The shoe is best suitable for hardwood or rubberized surfaces as long as there is no extreme toe dragging.

Breathability

The shoe is not well-ventilated due to the robust Strobel board and  its dual layer upper. It was heating up to 168 degrees and cool down to 81 degrees ( that may be uncomfortable to play in on hot summer days). However the stability provided by the design helps make up for its lack of breathability.

Midsole/ Cushioning

The midsole and cushioning of the Air Jordan Tatum 1 is a combination of midsole and outsole. It features a large  Zoom Air unit in the medial forefoot, plus a TPU stabilizer that extends from the midfoot to the rear foot for added support. The TPU stabilizer allows energy to flow from front to back, springboard up off the ground and provide kickback, creating an optimal experience for those who play on their toes.

Colorways

There are a total of four pairs set to release so far. The ‘Zoo’ Tatum 1 is inspired by his favorite place to take his son, Deuce. The ’St. Louis’ Tatum 1 comes dressed in retro colors of Tatum’s hometown baseball team. The ‘Pink Lemonade’ Tatum 1 represents Tatum’s favorite drink, and the ‘Barbershop’ Jordan Tatum 1 is inspired by the confidence Tatum feels when he gets a haircut.

Conclusion

The Jordan Tatum 1 shoes have rightfully earned their place among the most iconic and desirable sneakers in history. Combining a rich legacy, innovative design, and unparalleled comfort, these shoes embody the spirit of the Jordan brand. Whether you're a basketball enthusiast, a fashion-forward individual, or a sneaker collector, the Jordan Tatum 1 shoes offer a timeless and stylish addition to your footwear collection. With their enduring popularity, these sneakers are a testament to the enduring legacy of Michael Jordan and the innovative craftsmanship of the Jordan brand.