Jordan Fly Wade 2 Launch Event Recap (Video and Images)

On December 7 Jordan Brand officially launched the Fly Wade 2. The model is the second signature model of Miami Heat’s Dwyane Wade and brings several new performance enhancements as well as a slightly new look. The announcement took place in Miami at the Jose Marti Gymnasium, where several folks from local media and national outlets converged for what turned out to be a pretty fun day. The day started with the media being corralled into the gym while Wade finished up a photo shoot in a nearby room. As we all scrambled about setting up equipment and such, you could feel an odd energy in the room. While one would think this stemmed from the presence of an All-Star Basketball player in the next room, I think it had more to do with the trampoline and padding beneath the basket that the media would use later in the day to “FLY”.

However, once Wade walked into the room, all that nervousness and energy was turned to him as he and Jordan Brand Creative Director, Andre Doxy, gave us the low down on the Fly Wade 2. As we have learned over the last few months, the shoe is an upgrade to the past model and represents the first model that fully involved Dwayne Wade in the design process. During the brief talk with Wade and Doxy, we learned of the 18-month design window that spanned from Miami to Portland. Wade talked about how brutal he is on shoes, often wearing 2 to 3 pairs a game, and how this played into Jordan Brand designers using Hyperfuse for the upper. Wade also mentioned his preference for a mid-cut sneaker, as opposed to a high or a low. This specific attribute led to the asymmetrical cut of the ankle on the Fly Wade 2, giving Wade’s ankle enough room to move around, while also providing the needed support for his explosive style of play. Finally, we learned about his weight preference, another attribute tied into his style of play and reflected in the Fly Wade 2 coming in an ounce lighter than the previous model. Though, it should be mentioned that Wade is not racing for the lightest shoe on the market. Wade and the Jordan Brand team feel the best route is to find a balance between weight and cushioning to provide a solid and durable ride that doesn’t weigh you down.

From the matte finish that coats the majority of the models, to the Hyperfuse upper, to the full-length Lunarlon cushioning, the Fly Wade 2 feels like the first model that was really created specifically for Wade. The team at Jordan Brand had more time to spend with Wade and craft a sneaker that not only fit his style of play, but also his physical attributes also, such as the breathable mesh due to Wade sweating profusely; something you expect from a player that plays as hard as he does. Designers even incorporated Wades love for cars, Aston Martin in particular, into the design, while still boosting traction with small details like flex grooves in the outsole. From my limited time in the Fly Wade 2 during our media dunk contest, which happened with the assistance of a trampoline, I can say they felt great on feet and I look forward to giving them the full run-through. You can pick of the Fly Wade 2 now at NikeStore.

Dwyane Wade Interview