This Air Jordan 17 Is Coming Back for the First Time in Over 20 Years — With a Twist

After building a somewhat unexpected level of buzz around the Air Jordan 17 Low in 2024 and 2025, Jordan Brand will continue to put energy into the model by reissuing a pair that hasn’t been seen at retail since 2002, albeit with a slight twist.

According to Sneaker Files and @zsneakerheadz, the original Air Jordan 17 Low Black/Chrome colorway is heading back to stores in 2026. However, the upcoming release won’t be an exact one-to-one reproduction of the ’02 pair. The ’26 style is expected to swap out the smooth leather of the original version with a glossy patent leather. The rest of the shoe’s details, including its signature chrome accents and croc-textured eyestay, are expected to remain.

Although in-hand images of the upcoming reissue aren’t yet available, a speculative mock-up depicts a colorway which matches that of the ’02 original but features a shiny patent leather finish.

Sneaker Files adds that this upcoming Air Jordan 17 Low colorway is part of a wider initiative within Jordan Brand to begin marketing models after the Air Jordan 14, which was the last shoe Michael Jordan played in with the Chicago Bulls. Traditionally, Air Jordans beyond the 14 have received less enthusiasm from sneaker fans, but it appears the brand is turning a corner with its most recent Air Jordan 17 Low push. The upcoming releases are reportedly referred to as “once forgotten retros” in internal brand messaging.

Following last year’s Lightning and University Blue Air Jordan 17 Lows, Jordan Brand is set to collaborate with Infinite Archives on the model with an anticipated release set for Oct. 17.

As for this Air Jordan 17 Low Black/Chrome Patent, it’s expected to be released during fall ’26. Retail pricing and style code information is not yet available, but more details are expected to surface soon.