Summary:
- Jordan Brand releases the Heir Series 2 basketball shoe on February 20, with design updates focused on speed and cutting movements
- The shoe features a new forefoot Air Zoom unit and enhanced cushioning based on feedback from players including Napheesa Collier
- Design includes performance features and details specific to women's basketball, including extended court time and increased possessions
Jordan Brand plans to release the Heir Series 2 basketball shoe on February 20 through jordan.com and select retailers worldwide. The shoe builds on the original Heir Series model released in 2024.
The design process involved input from players at different levels of women's basketball. Napheesa Collier, a five-time WNBA All-Star who plays for Jordan Brand, tested the shoe during development. She uses footwork as a central part of her playing style on offense and defense.
"The innovation in the Heir Series 2 has exceeded my expectations", Collier says. She wore the first Heir Series model and provided feedback for the second version.
The shoe targets the specific movement patterns common in women's basketball. Players spend more time on court during games and handle more possessions compared to men's professional basketball. The style of play involves frequent direction changes and quick cuts.
Jordan Brand added a forefoot Air Zoom unit to the Heir Series 2. This component sits in the front section of the shoe and responds to pressure during quick movements. The brand also increased the thickness of the Cushlon 3.0 midsole and added foam cushioning above the outsole.
The updates aim to support the faster pace seen in women's games. Players move more during possessions and make frequent direction changes while maintaining speed.
A translucent TPU cage wraps around the upper part of the shoe. This structure keeps the foot contained during lateral movements without adding weight. The outsole features a herringbone traction pattern made from rubber.
The design team included a hair tie attachment at the heel. Players pull their hair back during games, and the attached tie provides an option when needed. The shoe comes in multiple color options.
Leo Chang serves as Senior Creative Director for Jordan Brand Basketball and Sport. He oversees the design direction for basketball footwear at the company.
"The Heir Series 2 is the next iteration of the basketball sneaker designed for her, by her," Chang says. The design team consulted female players throughout the development process.
Jordan Brand first created women's specific basketball shoes in 1998 with the women's Air Jordan OG. That model marked the first time the brand designed a shoe exclusively for women players. The company has since produced shoes for Maya Moore and created Player Editions for athletes including Kiki Rice and Kia Nurse.
The brand now offers basketball footwear in extended sizing. This range accommodates players across different levels of competition, from youth leagues to professional teams.
The Heir Series name references the next generation of players entering women's basketball. Jordan Brand positions the shoe as part of its ongoing work with women's basketball programs and players.
Women's basketball has grown in visibility over recent years. Attendance at WNBA games increased during the 2024 season, and college women's basketball tournaments drew larger television audiences. The sport attracts younger players who follow professional athletes and adopt similar playing styles.
The Heir Series 2 reflects changes in how women's basketball is played at the professional level. The game emphasizes speed, ball movement, and spacing. Players need footwear that supports constant movement and quick reactions.
The shoe's cushioning system combines two technologies. The Air Zoom unit provides immediate response when players push off the court. The Cushlon foam offers softer, more gradual cushioning during landing and cutting movements.
Jordan Brand tested the shoe with players during the development phase. The company gathered feedback on fit, support, and performance across different playing styles and positions.
The February 20 release date puts the shoe on retail shelves during the middle of basketball season. Players at high school, college, and professional levels will have access to the model during active competition periods.
Pricing and specific colorway details will be available closer to the release date. The shoe will be sold through Jordan Brand's website and at retailers that carry Jordan basketball footwear.
The Heir Series 2 continues Jordan Brand's investment in women's basketball footwear. The company allocates design resources and athlete partnerships specifically to this category. The brand works with players from different leagues and levels to inform product development.
Soufiene El Boub
was born and raised in France, where he also pursued his education. With a lifelong passion for sports and storytelling, Soufiene has become a sports editor, known for his insightful analysis writing. His unique perspective, shaped by his French upbringing, adds a distinctive flair to his work in the world of sports journalism.