Jordan Super.Fly 4 built to match Griffin's world-dominating game

Los Angeles Clippers power forward Blake Griffin's power and speed are honored in the Super.Fly 4.

Modeled with Blake Griffin in mind, the Jordan Super.Fly 4 was constructed to provide speed and stability, two key factors in the on-court approach of the Los Angeles Clippers’ highflying power forward.

While there are few citizens of the world who possess a 35" vertical jump, Jordan Brand allowed SI.com, along with other outlets, to attend an event at Terminal 23, in Manhattan, to wear-test the latest release in the Super.Fly series. In essence, media were given the keys to the Super.Fly 4 before anyone else, taking the shoe out onto the court for a spin on Tuesday.

The fourth shoe in the series, which was made available in China on July 1 and is set for global release on Aug. 5, is neon, black, and red to fit a Marvin the Martian theme. As it was explained to us, the pairing of Griffin and Marvin the Martian came about because the familiar Loony Tunes character is out to capture the world-dominating power that the Clippers star already possesses. 

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The style points are there for the Super.Fly 4 from the start. The color and design of the shoe pops, coming off as bold without being overbearing. But Tuesday's presentation didn't stop at the shoe, as green lights lined the walls of the gym and videos of Marvin the Martian hatching a plan to acquire the Super.Fly 4 lit the dark locker room​. Large side by side photos of Blake Griffin and Marvin the Martian also occupied space on one end of the court. 

All of this made it clear that serious thought went into the theme of the shoe, but it is mainly a performance sneaker decked out with technology to complement Griffin's game. Anyone who has watched the Clippers play could guess that the sneaker handles well in the open floor and provides enough support for Griffin to stick landings after his impressive dunks.

With Griffin and DeAndre Jordan in tow, the Clippers retain the moniker of "Lob City," a nickname that celebrates the team's high-wire act in transition and pick-and-roll scenarios. The play on this day was not quite as sophisticated, yet there was plenty of running up and down, and the shoe passed the wear-test on several levels.

• MORE:In-depth with Brad Hall: The sneaker reviewer like no other​

The first noticeable quality is the nice, tight fit of the shoe, a comfortable feel that is conducive to speed. With a Zoom Air unit to provide proper cushioning and a flexible textile upper and foam backing, the Super.Fly 4 should hold up well under pressure, even for an athlete of Griffin's ilk.

Full-length Flightspeed allows for fluid motion during a light trot or deep sprint, yet the shoe remains stable enough to withstand quick cuts and sudden elevation.

Based on the nature of his game, Griffin is sure to test the shoe more than the hapless group that evaluated it over five games under Terminal 23's house rules—winner take all open run games to 11, with only Jordan footwear allowed—but it should suit him well if it feels even 75% as proficient as it did over our two-hour session.

Air Jordans Over The Years

Air Jordans Through The Years

Air Jordan I

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An aesthetic-forward design and the latest in basketball shoe technology has signified the signature shoe of Michael Jordan since its inception during MJ's rookie year. The Jordan XX9, the latest in the long line of Jordans, continues that focus. Walk through the 29 Jordan shoes -- from the original Air Jordan I that was outside NBA regulation and incurred a fine every time MJ wore it to the introduction of the Jumpman logo in the Jordan III and the patent leather of the Jordan XI to the carbon plate in the XX9 -- in this Jordan-centric gallery.

Air Jordan II

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Following the success of the Air Jordan I, Nike released the Air Jordan II, a stylish kick with faux lizard skin that Jordan wore as he averaged 37.1 points during the 1986-87 season.

Air Jordan III

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The first sneaker to bear the 'Jumpman' logo, the Air Jordan III was reportedly Jordan's favorite sneaker. While wearing them, he won his second straight dunk contest and his first NBA MVP.

Air Jordan IV

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The Air Jordan IV was the first Jordan shoe released on the global market, where it became an international bestseller. Jordan had the shoes on for "The Shot" in Game 5 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Air Jordan V

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Designer Tinker Hatfield said he drew inspiration for the Air Jordan V from WWII fighter planes. While in the shoes, Jordan won his fourth scoring title and went for a career-high 69 points against the Cavaliers.

Air Jordan VI

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Released in 1991, the Air Jordan VIs were on Jordan's feet when he won his first NBA title.

Air Jordan VII

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Jordan won his second straight title with the Jordan VIIs on his feet and, later that summer, brought an Olympic-themed version with him to the Barcelona Games.

Air Jordan VIII

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The Air Jordan VIII was noticeably heavier than previous versions, featuring enhanced ankle support and a unique fuzzy tongue.

Air Jordan IX

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The first model released after Jordan's retirement from the NBA in 1993, the Air Jordan IXs were fitted with cleats so Jordan could wear them on the baseball diamond. The shoes adorn Jordan's feet in his statue outside of the United Center in Chicago.

Air Jordan X

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The 10th Air Jordan model celebrated Jordan with a unique outsole that featured all of his major achievements in the NBA.

Air Jordan XI

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In his first full NBA season since retiring in 1993, Jordan wore the Air Jordan XI, a timeless model featuring a patent leather design.

Air Jordan XII

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Jordan wore the Air Jordan XIIs, a model inspired by a 19th century dress boot, during the infamous "Flu Game" in 1997.

Air Jordan XIII

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The Air Jordan XIII, nicknamed the "Black Cat", mirrors the padding on a panther's paw and features a hologram panther's eye. Jordan wore the shoes as he completed his record 10th scoring title and his second three-peat.

Air Jordan XIV

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The aerodynamic lines and mesh vents of the Air Jordan XIV drew inspiration from Jordan's Ferrari.

Air Jordan XV

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The first shoe released after Jordan's second retirement, the Air Jordan XV was worn by Reggie Miller in the 2000 Finals.

Air Jordan XVI

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With Jordan transitioning to a role in the front office, Nike added a distinctive off-court shroud to the Air Jordan XVI.

Air Jordan XVII

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The jazz-themed Air Jordan XVII paid tribute to Jordan's love of golf with a sole design based on a golf course.

Air Jordan XVIII

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Jordan wore the Air Jordan XVIIIs, which came with a towel, brush and "Driver's Manual", during his last game in the NBA on April 16, 2003.

Air Jordan XIX

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The lightest Air Jordans ever made, the Air Jordan XIXs were the first shoe released after Jordan's third and final retirement in 2003.

Air Jordan XX

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Nike celebrated the 20th anniversary of Air Jordan with the Air Jordan XX, a shoe featuring a laser-etched upper panel celebrating Jordan's life.

Air Jordan XX1

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Released in 2006, the Air Jordan XXI was inspired by the Bentley Continental GT Coupe, featuring lower-foot air grilles and a carbon fiber shank plate.

Air Jordan XX2

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The aggressive "radar" stitching and camouflage patterns of the Air Joran XX2 pay homage to the F22 Raptor jet fighter.

Air Jordan XX3

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The Air Jordan XX3 bears a unique hand-stitched exterior, a full-length bootie and articulated chassis.

Jordan 2009

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Inspired by Jordan's defensive focus, the Air Jordan 2009 uses unique technology to give players "unfair" responsiveness.

Air Jordan 2010

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For Air Jordan's 25th anniversary Nike released the Air Jordan 2010, a shoe with a unique translucent window that reflected Jordan's ability to "see through opponents".

Air Jordan 2011

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The Air Jordan 2011 featured interchangeable soles inspired by Jordan's versatile skill set.

Air Jordan 2012

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"Zoot suit" details set the Air Jordan 2012 apart, reflecting a young Jordan's brash and confident game.

Air Jordan XX8

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The Air Jordan XX8 features an all-black sleeve that conceals an inner neon green bootie. Inspired by stealth technology, it surpasses the XIX as the lightest Air Jordan ever made.

Air Jordan XX9

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Michael Jordan worked with legendary shoe designer Tinker Hatfield to come up with the highly technical XX9, featuring everything from carbon plating and specialized air configurations to a woven upper made in Italy to give us a distinctive 23 and Jumpman-inspired aesthetic. The lightest Jordan yet goes black and red to add a little Jordan nostalgia to the mix.