Naruto - Rasengan
The Otaku Culture

Zion Williamson’s gives Air Jordan a Naruto upgrade

ⓘThis article was published on February 9, 2023 and could contain information that has since changed or become out-of-date.
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Last year, NBA star Zion Williamson partnered with Nike to release a line-up of Naruto-themed footwear and apparel under the Air Jordan brand. This year, he’s again collaborating with Nike to release a new take on the Air Jordan 37 which launches on February 20th, 2023.

Naruto x Zion Williamson Air Jordan 37
Zion Williamson’s Naruto-themed Air Jordan 37. Image from Nike via Sole Collector.

Sneaker news web site Sole Collector shared details alongside images of the pair from the Beaverton, Oregon-based athletic giant. Utilizing the blue hue of Naruto Uzumaki’s Rasengan attack (pictured at top), the tongues feature a yellow tuft reminiscent of the shinobi’s hair, silver headband plates with the Air Jordan logo and Zion’s name on the outside, with his catchphrase だってばよ / Believe it! on the inside. There’s even an image of the Rasengan on the insole. Forgetting that these are the Air Jordan 37, Michael Jordan’s signature appears in silver on the heel strap. To change things up, two sets of laces are included: blue and yellow.

Naruto x Zion Williamson Air Jordan 37
A look at the だってばよ / Believe it! on the tongues. Image from Nike via Sole Collector.

Williamson, who plays forward for the New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA, is a huge Naruto fan, big enough that series creator Masashi Kishimoto even drew him as the spirited shinobi.

Source: Sole Collector

© Masashi Kishimoto/Shueisha/TV Tokyo/Pierrot

 

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