This morning, at a press event in New York City, Michael Jordan himself unveiled the future of the Air Jordan brand shoes. After 2008’s Air Jordan XX3, the brand will change the naming convention with this year’s Air Jordan 2009.

"Throughout the first 23 years of the Air Jordan franchise, we challenged ourselves and the industry by producing athletic footwear beyond the limits of what was possible," said Michael Jordan. "The Air Jordan 2009 ushers in a new chapter for the Brand – it is the embodiment of what we can do and sets the course for the next 23 years for the franchise."

Jordan collaborated with Jason Mayden, Jordan Brand’s Senior Footwear Designer “When designing the Air Jordan 2009, I wanted to take the shoe beyond expected limits of what consumers know from the franchise and create something ahead of its time,” said Jason Mayden. "Its futuristic technology and design elements will help propel Jordan Brand towards even greater levels of innovation and style as it delivers the best performance shoe available today."

What will make you run faster and jump higher this year? Try the Articulated Propulsion Technology, or APT. The carbon fiber prosthetic running technology used by Paralympians such as April Holmes, a Team Jordan track and field athlete and the world record holder in the 100, 200 and 400-meter races, inspired designers to incorporate those elements into the shoe and results in its futuristic look. Following the same basic form as the prosthesis Holmes wore during her gold medal 100-meter race for the 2008 Paralympic Games, the Air Jordan 2009’s APT allows the athlete to explosively and quickly propel forward on the court.

When can you buy them? An exclusive limited release Air Jordan 2009 launches on Saturday, January 31, 2009 with a suggested retail price of $230. The first nationwide launch coincides with All-Star Weekend, releasing on Saturday, February 14, 2009 with a suggested retail price of $190.