Most people remember the iconic red and black Jordan sneakers Michael Jordan rocked during his time with the Chicago Bulls, but not many recall one of his most futuristic models he debuted in a Washington Wizards uniform. For the first time since 2003, Jordan Brand will release the notorious Air Jordan 17 ‘Lightning'. Check out our Sneakers news for more upcoming releases and breaking content!

Michael Jordan took the court for Washington in 2002-03 and started all 82 games in what eventually became his final year playing in the NBA. That year, Jordan made the All-Star team as he averaged 20 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.5 steals on the season. It was also one of the few times we saw Michael Jordan alongside one of his greatest proteges, Kobe Bryant.

The year prior also saw a Michael Jordan All-Star selection as the GOAT made his 13th career appearance at All-Star weekend. He donned the court in his latest signature shoe, the Air Jordan 17. It was the most futuristic looking Air Jordan up to that point and they'll be making their return for the first time ever.

Air Jordan 17 ‘Lightning'

The Air Jordan 17 was a model far ahead of its time in the sneaker realm and looks otherworldly even by today's standards. In fact, when looking at some of the basketball shoes on the market today, it's clear that they draw direct inspiration from the Jordan 17 silhouette. The shoe is constructed with thick leather sidewalls that open with perforations on the side. The midsole and outsole feature translucent yellow rubber that extends through the bottoms of the shoes, playing into the ‘Lightning' theme.

RECOMMENDED (Article Continues Below)
Air Jordan 13 Dune Red Michael Jordan sneakers

Dominik Zawartko ·

Dwight Howard (2024 image, wearing normal clothes) in middle. Lakers' LeBron James on left shooting a basketball, Bulls' Michael Jordan on right shooting a basketball.

Joey Mistretta ·

Wizards player Jordan Poole looking at Brian Keefe, Phil Handy.

Matt Wadleigh ·

The Jordan 17 was one of the first basketball shoes at the time to feature a neoprene inner-boot made to mold to the wearer's foot. The tongue, laces, and sockliner are all in black as we see a chrome Jumpman logo on the heels of the shoe. The hallmark detail here is the metallic blue heel plate, finishing these off with a true Wizards feel.

The Air Jordan 17 ‘Lightning' is expected to release May 30, 2024 and will be made available by Jordan Brand retailers and Nike SNKRS app. The price tag will come at a whopping $300, making these one of the most expensive retail Air Jordan's we've ever seen. Make sure to stay up-to-date on release info as these are expected to be fairly limited.

Where does the Jordan 17 rank amongst your favorite Air Jordan models?