Jordan Brand's Air Jordan 8 "Knicks" (IX8479-010) has surfaced in hand ahead of its expected 24 December release, and the real pairs look even louder than the official images from September. Black suede, Knicks orange and royal blue, all on the shoe Michael Jordan wore while he was breaking New York's heart in 1993.
In short
- The Air Jordan 8 "Knicks" (Black/Safety Orange/Racer Blue, IX8479-010) is expected on 24 December 2026.
- New in-hand photos show a black suede upper, orange midsole, blue chenille tongue patch and an orange-and-blue "23" on the straps.
- NZ launch timing is TBC. Free NZ shipping applies on every order at Im Your Wardrobe.
A rivalry shoe, by design
The Air Jordan 8 was the shoe Jordan wore through the 1993 playoffs, including the Eastern Conference Finals against the Patrick Ewing-era Knicks. Game 4 of that series was his 54-point night, and a game-worn pair from the same series has since been sold at auction. Turning the 8 into a Knicks shoe is a wink at that history: Jordan's sneaker, dressed in the colours of the team he kept beating.
It wasn't always going to be the Knicks. The pair first leaked in December 2025 and was originally reported as a "Cavs" colourway before the Knicks name took over. Official images followed on 18 September 2026, and this week Sneaker News shared a full set of in-hand photos showing finished pairs stacked in blue boxes.
What the real pairs look like
The upper is all black suede, which gives the bulky 8 a stealthier base than the "Aqua" or "Playoffs" pairs. Colour comes in through the details. The chenille tongue patch is royal blue with an orange Jumpman, the strap buckles are blue, and the "23" on the crossover straps is stitched in orange with a blue outline. Around the back, an orange pull tab sits above an orange heel counter.
The midsole is where the Knicks theme hits hardest. Orange wraps roughly half of the sole unit, with the classic AJ8 graphic panel rebuilt in blue, orange and black. Underfoot, the outsole carries an orange Jumpman on black rubber with blue running down the centre. Pairs are packed in a special blue version of the Jordan "face" box.
Release date and sizing
Sneaker News, House of Heat and Nice Kicks all list the Knicks 8 for 24 December 2026 (US date), as a standard release on SNKRS. So far only men's sizing has been confirmed, and it's still unclear whether grade school sizes will follow. NZ launch timing is TBC, and with a Christmas Eve date in the US, local drops could land on the 24th or 25th NZ time.
Where to get it in NZ
The Knicks 8 is coming soon to imyourwardrobe.com. Every pair we sell is authentic and inspected, NZ shipping is free on every order, and Afterpay is available. Until then, there's plenty of orange and blue in stock: the Nike Dunk Low Knicks, the Nike Dunk High Knicks and the Kith x MSG New Balance 993 "Knicks" Away. If you want an 8 now, the SoleFly x Jordan 8 "Mi Casa Es Su Casa" is in stock, and the rest of the range lives in our Jordan 8 and Jordan collections.
Details
- Release date: 24 December 2026 (US, expected). NZ timing TBC.
- Style code: IX8479-010
- Colourway: Black/Safety Orange/Racer Blue
- Where to get it in NZ: Coming soon to imyourwardrobe.com
FAQ
When does the Air Jordan 8 "Knicks" release?
It is expected on 24 December 2026 in the US. The NZ release time is TBC.
What is the Air Jordan 8 "Knicks" style code?
The style code is IX8479-010, in Black/Safety Orange/Racer Blue.
Will the Air Jordan 8 "Knicks" come in kids' sizes?
Men's sizing is confirmed. Grade school sizing hasn't been confirmed yet, so it is TBC.
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