Air Jordan 41 Designers Reveal Michael

Leo Chang and Donald 'DK' Kelsey spoke with Highsnobiety about the development of the Air Jordan 41. Chang is Senior Creative Director for Jordan Sport and Basketball. Kelsey is Senior Director of Jordan Basketball Footwear. Both emphasized the human effort behind the shoe’s creation.

Chang described growing up in Philadelphia and dreaming of working at Nike and Jordan Brand. He has been with the company for 25 years, overseeing projects including KDs, early Kyries, collaborations with Kobe and LeBron, and work on Nike Frees and Shox. Kelsey is from Chicago and has been with Nike for 19 years, the last 16 in product management. He has been with Jordan Brand for almost 11 years, starting in the retro business and later working across footwear, apparel, and headwear, including collaborations with Supreme and Nike ACG.

When asked about what makes a product 'done,' Chang said he rarely feels products are truly finished but knows they are ready when they perform well, test well, and the aesthetic is refined. He stressed avoiding mediocrity and taking pauses when needed, such as when a new construction feels off or there is heel slippage. Kelsey added that financial targets are also considered, with finance teams flagging cost overruns, prompting creative and engineering solutions.

The team examined every detail of the Air Jordan 41. DK noted there were 10 different finishes tested on the rivet and shank, over 70 iterations of the nano print, and two weeks spent deciding the placement of a single eyestay. Chang said they discussed internal webbing, lacing, and punching through the upper for the eyelets, even bringing six lacing options to Michael Jordan for feedback.

Michael Jordan remains involved in the process. Kelsey confirmed the team receives product testing feedback from athletes, including Jordan. Chang said Jordan emphasized intentionality, stating 'No gimmicks,' and wanted the shoe to reflect the bold yet simple design philosophy of past Air Jordans. Jordan specifically asked how to make the shoe look like it’s moving when standing still, which inspired the nano print’s fluid appearance.

Chang revealed the team visited Michael Jordan’s garage, which houses over 60 supercars, some one-of-ones. He said seeing the cars up close was special and influenced the design, particularly the principle of revealing engineering through aesthetics. He pointed to the clear shank in the sole, which allows a view of the fabric-wrapped midsole and a hint of the new Zoom Air heel, similar to seeing an engine through a car’s back hood.

Kelsey said they studied the Air Jordan 40 to identify what worked and what could be improved. They consulted athletes globally and spoke with Michael Jordan about his defensive gameplay, noting his knowledge remains relevant despite not playing in 30 years. Kelsey also recalled Jordan’s punctuality and hospitality, saying he always arrived early and made others feel welcome.

When asked about the hardest part of the Air Jordan 41 to develop, Chang cited the nano print, explaining it appears simple but is an intensively layered process where each change affects the entire printing method.