Sneaker Diary: Back to the Streets in the WMNS Air Jordan 4 ‘Starfish’
Images by Kathryn Charlesworth for CNK Daily
Kicks have always served as a connection. If we’re being honest, back in the day they were a conversation starter that saved an awkward teen from having to really speak (Hello!) Sneakers created a uniform for confidence, especially growing up in the 90s when the culture was basking in the golden era of sports,music, and more. Witnessing the great Michael Jordan hit the hardwood in his iconic sneakers gave me the framework to fall in love with my shoes. This was way back before a pair of Air Jordans was ever seen as a golden ticket in the resell market. Back when a pair of Jordans was just a ticket to the cool kids table where we could chop it up about midweek releases before technological advances created haters (AKA botville).
While so much has changed from the early days of sneaker culture, one thing remains constant. I love slipping on some fly Air Jordans. As many collectors would share, Air Jordan silhouettes between 1-14 reign supreme. I have never been a huge fan of the Jordan 4, but can’t deny that it has been deemed a classic in the game. As a female who loves her kicks, Jordan WMNS division may have swayed my opinion with the release of the Air Jordan 4 ‘Starfish’.
Before we get into the details of this versatile pair, let’s take a quick stroll down memory lane. The same way sneaker culture has evolved over time, the Jumpman has created a long overdue lane for the female consumer. With an emphasis on functional apparel, inclusive sizing, and women’s exclusives - we’re here for the new wave. From the excitement around the initial Jordan WMNS debut of the ‘Season of Her’ Collection in 2018, we have been witness to how the brand is tying in HER at a very important time.
When you have a love for sneakers, it’s much more than the outward aesthetics. While those draw us in, the stories and nostalgia keep me immersed in the culture. As a mother, content editor, and Corporate HR specialist, my taste has evolved right along with my weekly sneaker rotations. I want a shoe that can speak to me through it’s design, market messaging, and versatility. Ultimately, I want to be comfortable and have an arsenal of sneakers that can easily transition me between point A and B. The WMNS Air Jordan 4 ‘Starfish’ is that pair. Let’s unpack the WHY.
This is definitely a pair that gives ladies the opportunity to flex their unique sneakHER style. You can dress it up or choose to wear it with cozy gear (like I’ve opted to do). The pops of orange add a vibrancy that can flow easily through any season. As a fun fact, the construction of the AJ4 ‘Starfish’ took inspiration from the exploration of outer space. The makeup of the pair was connected in resiliency and the beauty of materials used in spacesuits. Pretty cool concept, but that’s not much different from the makeup of women. We are resilient, showing strength when met with adversity. We are also beautifully complex and multi-faceted beings. The sneaker features a black metallic mesh material over a colorful base, giving the upper a bronzy shine. The rough edge lines hinted with orange play against the dark mesh upper, as the raw unfinished look on the tongue draws into a popular look from recent years.
On this cool day in Third Ward, Texas where I grew up, I strolled past the Project Row Houses which are filled to the brim with culture and rooted in appreciation of where we come from. From the art memorializing unsung heroes to the continued initiative to preserve these neighborhood gems, the streets of Third Ward are a reminder of my childhood and everything that has fueled my creative expression.
My sneakHER style has always been easygoing, much like my overall personality. A flannel, sweatpants, and a beanie are staples for any female who sees her cozy vibes as priority (especially during a pandemic). As part of the frugal club, I found these particular items on Amazon lurking the men’s department. Thank me later.
The AJ4 ‘Starfish’ will be in heavy rotation this year, and we are excited to see what’s on the upcoming roster for the Jordan WMNS side of the house. More importantly, our radars are turned on as it relates to the Jumpman messaging and how it will draw in the everyday woman who loves her sneakers. At the end of the day, our beloved pairs are an extension of us.
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