Converse remixed its classic Pro Leather kicks to celebrate North Carolina’s 2017 championship and the 35th anniversary of Michael Jordan’s NCAA title. Sneaker gods Tinker Hatfield and Dan Sunwoo designed the commemorative drop.
Worn by the superstar in the ’82 tournament, the new model swaps the usual Star Chevron with a Jumpman. “MJ was wearing the Converse Pro Leather in the 1982 Championship. He is often quoted as saying he felt he became Michael Jordan in that moment,” explains Hatfield. “To signify the birth of MJ, I had the Converse logo fade out and the Jumpman appear.”
The left heel pays homage to the Tar Heels’ 1982 uniform short, while the right references the 2017 championship team’s version of the now traditional UNC argyle pattern. Sadly, the Converse Birth of Michael Jordan Pro Leather sneaker is only available to the current UNC team and friends and family of Jordan Brand, but true sneakerheads can still appreciate the genius of this epic design.
