Imagine a fashion comeback so bold, it reignites a conversation around one of the most overlooked sneakers in history. That’s exactly what Public School just pulled off at New York Fashion Week. After a seven-year hiatus, the label returned with a bang, not only reclaiming its spot on the runway but also reigniting its passion for sneaker collaborations—this time, with a twist that’s sure to spark debate.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Public School has chosen to revisit the Air Jordan 15, a model often labeled as one of the least popular in Michael Jordan’s signature line. Designed by Tinker Hatfield and inspired by the X-15 jet—once the fastest in the world—the Air Jordan 15 was the first to feature a woven upper. Yet, despite its innovative design, it’s never quite captured the mainstream love other Jordans have. Is this a missed opportunity, or is Public School onto something the rest of us have overlooked?
Dao-Yi Chow and Maxwell Osborne, the minds behind Public School, are no strangers to this model. Their 2017 collaboration on the Air Jordan 15 was a quiet success, and now they’re doubling down with a sleek, all-black suede rendition. The shoe swaps the original Kevlar weave for a softer texture, while the pointed tongue features Public School’s “WNL” logo—a bold statement that stands for “We Need Leaders.” It’s a subtle yet powerful reminder of the brand’s ethos, but will it be enough to elevate this underappreciated silhouette?
And this is the part most people miss: the Air Jordan 15 has a cult following, including none other than Billie Eilish, who collaborated on it in 2021 and declared it her favorite Air Jordan. Does this mean the shoe’s quirky design is due for a renaissance, or will it remain a niche favorite?
But Public School didn’t stop there. Alongside the Air Jordan 15, they unveiled a dramatic reimagining of the recently revived Air Max Goadome. Dubbed the Air Max Goadome Cowboy Boot, this black leather creation features a double monk strap embossed with Public School branding that wraps across the tongue. It’s a bold fusion of streetwear and Western aesthetics, but will it resonate with sneakerheads and fashion enthusiasts alike?
No release dates have been announced for either collaboration, but they’re expected to drop as part of Public School’s fall 2026 collection. Here’s the question we’re left with: Are these collaborations a genius move to breathe new life into overlooked designs, or are they a risky bet on models that never quite caught on? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one fashion debate you won’t want to miss.
