The Air Jordan 15 is one of the most divisive models ever produced for Michael Jordan. The shoe’s incredibly unique design is either loved or hated, but next year Jordan Brand is delivering a reworked version, removing the controversial tongue piece for the new 23RE edition.
1999 was a chaotic time for Jordan Brand. Fresh off a second three-peat of NBA Championships with the Bulls, MJ retired for the second time that decade, this time seemingly for good as he did not attempt to return to minor league baseball. In the same year, Jordan Brand released their Air Jordan 15, a major milestone in the history of signature basketball shoes, but ultimately one that fell flat with consumers. This came just two years after Nike and Jordan Brand had officially separated into two entities, with the latter being free to operate 100% independently.
The Air Jordan 15 was one of the last mainline Jordan models to be designed by Tinker Hatfield, one of the most renowned designers in the history of footwear. The shoe featured an incredibly unique tongue piece that stuck out toward the toe of the shoe, and was inspired by the X-15 supersonic jet. After the release of the silhouette, Hatfield would step away from the Jordan line for several years. The AJ15 has rarely appeared since its debut, with the latest retro releases coming from collaborations with the Kubo movie in 2016 and Billie Eilish in 2021.
This week, a leak from zSneakerheadz indicates that Jordan Brand will release a new version of the Air Jordan 15 in 2026, dubbed the 23RE. Shown only in a mockup, the new pair will remove the controversial tongue piece, in favor of a form-fitting inner bootie with a high-cut collar. Other original details from the model will return, like the woven Kevlar aramid fiber upper, and the midsole with an exaggerated rubberized heel. The new revised silhouette is expected to debut in a simple black & muslin color scheme.
AIR JORDAN 15 23RE “BLACK MUSLIN” RELEASE INFORMATION
The reworked version of the hugely divisive Air Jordan 15 is currently expected to make its debut sometime in Summer 2026. Removing the pointed tongue in favor or a form-fitting high-cut shroud piece, the new look will launch in a black & muslin color combination, likely in limited supply to test out the new style. No pricing information is available for this shoe yet.
Air Jordan 15 23RE “Black Muslin”
Color: Black/Muslin
Style Code: IO7001-XXX
Release Date: Summer 2026
Check out the mockup image above, and stay tuned to JustFreshKicks on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for more of the latest sneaker news, release dates, and restock alerts.