The Shoes That Broke The Internet

Last November, Kim Kardashian had a photoshoot with Paper Magazine that famously "broke the internet." While it's safe to say that yesterday's public reveal of UNC's custom Jordan 29 failed to garner the same attention as Kim K's nude photoshoot, Carolina twitter and sneaker blogs were certainly abuzz with the news of the new kicks.

Another view of Carolina’s new shoes. @Jumpman23 #UNCBBall pic.twitter.com/8NwqjUQLzX
— Carolina Basketball (@UNC_Basketball) March 25, 2015

The shoes that UNC will be wearing tonight against Wisconsin, as mentioned previously in the post, are Jordan XX9. These are the latest performance basketball shoe from Jordan Brand. North Carolina is no stranger to playing in the XX9. Against Louisville on January 10th, many players on the team wore the Jordan XX9 that was included in this Christmas' "Ultimate Gift of Flight Pack." (The XX9 is seen on the right, next to the "Pantone" Jordan Retro XI.)

Here's JP Tokoto wearing them on January 10th:

While the "Ultimate Gift of Flight" XX9 made it to retail as part of a $500 pack, don't count on seeing the Rameses XX9 on Foot Locker shelves. This is almost certainly a UNC Player Exclusive (much like the Jordan IV that the 2012-2013 squad received), and unless the Ram's Club decides to conduct a fundraiser much like they did with the chrome football helmets, the common Carolina fan has almost no chance of ever owning these shoes.

If you like the Jordan XX9 and want them in Carolina Blue, you are in a bit of luck. While I don't believe any Tar Heels have worn this particular model, this "Legend Blue" version released in December and is still available on sites like Eastbay:

Whether you're a basketball player, or just a Carolina fan, I highly recommend the Jordan XX9. I own both the Ultimate Gift of Flight XX9 and the Legend Blue XX9 and they are the best shoe I've ever worn for basketball. 

What are your thoughts on the new UNC Jordans? With the popularity of the Jordan Brand among today's youth, I'd hope that Carolina's affiliation with Jordan could be used as a recruiting tool.