This release from the Jordan Wings Design Program, the Air Jordan I Mid Subway, is inspired by the unsung heroes of NYC: the staff of the MTA, the largest public transit system in North America.

During the course of six weeks, more than 130 high school students from nationwide Jordan Brand Wings partner organizations worked closely with members of the Jordan Brand product-creation team to design an Air Jordan I centered on the theme of “role models.” These students, from cities including Los Angeles; Chicago; Charlotte, N.C.; Philadelphia and more, were encouraged to weave personal narratives into their designs, creatively honoring the local figures who support their dreams. Students from each city pitched their final designs to a broad panel of Jordan Brand employees, who selected one final design to go into production: New York City’s Air Jordan I Mid Subway.