Anime and sneakers are colliding, thanks to Zion Williamson.
The Jordan Brand signature athlete and devout Naruto fan is merging the two worlds through a collaborative series that includes three colorways of the Jordan Zion 1 and a range of matching apparel.
Zion’s profession of love for the show isn’t new, going back to 2019 as the rising star’s mother revealed during a Duke game interview that he loved the show. Years later, with a signature shoe and a handful of league games under his belt, Jordan Brand and Naruto are joining forces for the New Orleans Pelicans star.
“When working with Zion on this collaboration, he just opened up bright,” said lead footwear designer of the Naruto x Zion collection, Israel Mateo. The connection he has to Naruto as both a show and a character is so deep. There are many messages from the show that cut through to Zion, mostly that have to do with the main character – having to overcome adversity and everybody around him, not taking him seriously, being told you’re not as good or you’re not this. But Naruto always thought, ‘I am more than what you say I am,’ and I feel like Zion has that. We, as a Jordan Brand, have the power to create and show up in places we may not traditionally be involved in – hence, this collaboration with Zion and Naruto that can bring together completely new audiences in an authentic way – while still serving the people that are already fans of the show and hold it near and dear to their heart.”
The three colorways (“Kyuubi AKA Nine-Tails Mode”; “Sage of Six Paths”; “Nine-Tails”) tap on distinct moments from the show and Naruto himself, drawing parallels to Zion, his journey, and his game.
The Naruto x Jordan Zion 1 “Kyuubi AKA Nine-Tails Mode” is inspired by Naruto’s ultimate transformation & highlights the moment Zion unlocked the ability to harness his limitless power, like Naruto when he combined his Nine-Tailed Chakra Mode with the Six Paths Sage Mode. The Naruto x Jordan Zion 1 “Sage of Six Paths” carries the power as the ancestor of Shinobi and the first Jinchuriki to exist. Influenced heavily by his family, friends, and peers, Zion now brings that very same inspiration to the next generation. Paying homage to the legendary leader and creator of Naruto’s ninja world, the “Sage of Six Paths colorway celebrates the mentors who guided Zion through his journey and the path Zion has created for others to follow as the leader of the new school. Finally, the Naruto x Jordan Zion 1 “Nine-Tails” takes after Naruto’s limitless force — a similar but unknown force resides within Zion. Inspired by the strongest of the nine-tailed beasts, the “Nine-Tails” colorway symbolizes the power that lives within Zion.
“It means the world to me,” Zion Williamson said. “Two of my childhood favorites – Michael Jordan and then Naruto. Both brands were able to collaborate and bring my vision to life. You can’t make that stuff up. You have no idea how much that means to me.”
The Naruto x Jordan Zion 1 collection releases on May 11 with the apparel launch and “Kyuubi AKA Nine-Tails Mode” colorway, followed by the “Sage of Six Paths” and “Nine-Tails” colorways that release on May 18. As always, our sneaker monitors and release day strategy will have members ready for drop day.
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Naruto x Jordan Zion 1 Apparel
Naruto x Jordan Zion 1 “Sage of Six Paths” (DQ4706-160)
Naruto x Jordan Zion 1 “Nine-Tails” (DQ4706-086)
