Jordan Brand is shifting its reissue strategy beyond the classic early models, and the upcoming Air Jordan 17 Low “Black Patent” is the clearest signal yet. This new drop reimagines a 2002 silhouette with a glossy finish, marking a rare moment of focus on post-Air Jordan 13 designs. For sneakerheads who have watched the brand cycle through the same beloved 1s through 14s, this release represents a deliberate pivot toward the overlooked chapters of the line's history. Main Developments The Air Jordan 17 Low “Black Patent” is set to launch in Europe on Aug. 8 for $245 under style code IV7640-001, with a wider global release expected shortly after. This limited-edition style retains the original blacked-out color blocking and chrome details of the 2002 pair but swaps the standard leather for a sleek patent finish across the upper. The tongue breaks from the pattern, featuring perforated leather instead of the croc-embossed patent material seen on the original. Another Air Jordan 17 Low will surface as part of the brand's upcoming “Black Pack” collection this holiday season. That grouping pairs the 17 Low with the Air Jordan 14 Low, Air Jordan 15, and Air Jordan 16, each outfitted with premium materials — including a stingray leather treatment on the 17 Low. Read also: Why Galliano's Met Retrospective Is a Test for Fashion Background Historically, Air Jordans 1 through 14 have dominated both popularity charts and reissue schedules, leaving later models like the 17 in relative obscurity. The Air Jordan 17 originally debuted in 2002, a period when the line was transitioning away from Michael Jordan's on-court prime and into lifestyle-oriented territory. Jordan Brand has recently begun correcting that imbalance, with the Air Jordan 16 receiving a collaborative release this month alongside Ghanaian brand Free the Youth. The “Black Patent” release is not the only 17 on the horizon — the model is also expected to receive its first-ever reissue in its original College Blue colorway during February's NBA All-Star Weekend. This cluster of releases suggests a broader strategy to rehabilitate the post-13 era of the franchise. Why It Matters For collectors, the shift toward models like the 17 and 16 opens up a new vein of retro releases that have never been widely reissued, creating scarcity value that the frequently re-stocked early models lack. The premium material choices — patent leather, stingray, perforated leather — also push these releases into a higher price tier, signaling that Jordan Brand sees post-13 silhouettes as a vehicle for its more experimental, luxury-leaning designs. The timing of the College Blue reissue around All-Star Weekend further ties these drops to major cultural moments, amplifying their visibility. What's Next Following the Aug. 8 European launch of the Black Patent, the global rollout will determine how quickly the style sells through and whether resale prices spike. The holiday season will bring the Black Pack, with the stingray-clad Air Jordan 17 Low serving as the collection's centerpiece. Into 2026, the College Blue reissue remains the most anticipated 17 release, with its February debut expected to test demand for a colorway that has never been retroed.