Air Jordan 1 High “Pass the Torch” (Kawhi Leonard)

Created as an homage to Kawhi Leonard’s defining performance in the 2014 NBA Finals—where he earned Finals MVP—the Air Jordan 1 High “Pass the Torch” translates a championship narrative into a museum-grade collectible. Released in April 2018 as part of Nike’s celebrated “Art of a Champion” series, this edition stands at the intersection of basketball history and contemporary sneaker culture, with design cues that directly reference the Larry O’Brien Trophy and the Spurs’ title run.

The execution is deliberately symbolic: a premium white-and-silver leather upper with reflective detailing, a bright metallic silver Swoosh and Wings emblem, and Leonard’s “The Klaw” mark on the left tongue—elements that anchor the shoe to a specific athlete, era, and achievement. Further storytelling details include a gold “2004” dubrae and 16 notches across the heels and laces, a numerical nod to the playoff victories required to secure the championship. Produced in limited quantities, this model is widely recognized by collectors for its scarcity, athlete-specific iconography, and clear provenance within an official Finals-focused capsule, making it a compelling acquisition for those who prioritize historically grounded, investment-aware modern releases.