One of Michael Jordan’s Most Important Sneakers Is Rumored to Return — but There Could Be a Long Wait
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Footwear News may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
One of Michael Jordan’s most significant sneakers is rumored to return — but there’s expected to be a lengthy wait for its launch.
Last seen at retail in 2018, the Air Jordan 13 “He Got Game” is said to be receiving a reissue during spring 2026. The early news comes by way of @brandon1an and Sneaker Market RO, who are reporting a March launch date for the retro sneaker. With a colorway of “White/Black/True Red,” the pair was one of five Air Jordan 13s which were released during the model’s original run from 1997 to 1998.
The white-and-black style was one of the first Air Jordan 13s to release, introducing fans for the first time to the now-iconic dimpled leather upper, hologram heel logo and panther inspiration drawn from Jordan’s “Black Cat” nickname.
Watch on FN
Jordan would wear the Air Jordan 13 colorway throughout the ’97-98 NBA regular season before switching to the black-and-red “Playoffs” and black-accented “All-Star” pair in the postseason. Jordan’s on-court performance was something to marvel at as he led the Chicago Bulls to their third straight NBA championship, which was the team’s second three-peat and sixth championship win of the 1990s. Yet despite him tallying some of the sport’s all-time greatest numbers, Jordan’s white, black and red Air Jordan 13 became most famous for an off-court moment.
In Spike Lee’s ’98 film “He Got Game,” star Denzel Washington plays Jake Shuttlesworth, the imprisoned father of Jesus Shuttlesworth, played by Ray Allen. Upon receiving a work release in order to persuade his son to attend the fictional Big State university, Washington’s character stops at a sneaker store where he purchases the Air Jordan 13. Worn by Washington’s character throughout the movie, the sneaker’s prominent big screen feature was so memorable that the nickname unofficially caught on. Although Jordan Brand usually doesn’t outright reference the film due to licensing issues, the “He Got Game” connection is undeniable.
Following its original ’97 launch, the “He Got Game” Air Jordan 13 was released singularly in 2013 and again in 2018. Its first-ever rerelease came in 2008 alongside the “Shadow” Air Jordan 10 as part of Jordan Brand’s Countdown Pack collections.
In related news, the Nike Air Foamposite Pro “Pearl” worn by Allen’s character in the movie is expected to receive a retro release this year.
Now, the “He Got Game” Air Jordan 13 Retro is expected to return for the first time in eight years. It’s expected to be released next year on March 30 with a new SKU of 414571-102. Given its far-off launch, it’s possible the release date could change between now and then, so be sure to check back for any potential changes. For now, images of the ’18 iteration are pictured here.
