A new Michael Jordan sneaker recently surfaced with purported ties to satanic iconography but according to a statement issued by Nike, Inc.’s Jordan Brand, any alleged devilish details are merely a coincidence.
The black-and-red Jordan Session initially appeared on the internet with “Demonic” and “Devil” nicknames which originated from the shoe’s seemingly satanic theme.
Clad in a black pony hair material, the skateboarding-inspired model is packed with unique details such as a scale-printed midsole, chain and piercing accessories, brooding eye embroidery on the tongue and perhaps most convincing of all, red horns extending from the lateral sides. Even the shoe’s style code, IM6666-066, appeared to reference the mark of the beast.
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And yet, in a Friday statement issued to Sneaker News, Jordan Brand refuted any connection between the upcoming style and the devil.
“The Jordan Session design had nothing to do with Halloween, the devil, satan or anything of the sort. The original concept was anchored on ‘The Year of the Bull’ and the shoe was proposed to be a limited China release. That’s the reason behind the eyes on the tongue, the fur and the horns. There is no Halloween concept,” read the brand’s statement.
This isn’t the first time devilish footwear has generated headlines. In 2021, art collective Mschf and rapper Lil Nas X collaborated on a customized Nike Air Max 97 “Satan Shoe” design. Nike was quick to file suit, claiming that the custom footwear led fans to incorrectly believe that “Nike is endorsing satanism.” The Oregon-based sportswear company successfully obtained a restraining order and later settled with the Brooklyn-based collective.
Despite any potential controversy, it appears that this Jordan Session release will proceed as originally planned. The Black/Fire Red/Fire Red style is expected to be released in October for a retail price of $125.