Free The Youth is retroing the Air Jordan 16 for its first-ever collaboration with Jordan Brand. Marking a rare release for the silhouette, the “Metallic Silver” colorway is slated to drop on July 17, 2026. It will be available in unisex sizing for $255.

Upon release, availability will include Free The Youth, Nike SNKRS, and a number of Jordan Brand stockists. This iteration builds on the success of the collective’s prior friends-and-family exclusive Air Jordan 1.

Metallic silver leather dominates the upper on most of the toe box, side panels, and removable shroud. Below you’ll find layers of black leather and ventilated mesh. Green and orange accents, along with multicolor influences pull traditional Ghanaian culture into the shoe.

With two interchangeable shrouds, the Free The Youth x Air Jordan 16 could be styled in multiple ways. The first shroud maintains the shoe’s silver aesthetic. A second shroud option swaps out the monochromatic scheme in favor of colorful Tawny Eagle artwork representing Ghana’ national bird and attributes of strength, courage and focus.

The Free The Youth logo shows up on the tongue and lateral heel. The heel features orange mesh accents, with green tabs providing a vibrant contrast on the sides. The black outsole is punctuated by vibrant orange traction elements.

The special packaging for this release features multicolored tissue paper, and the inside of the lid proudly displays the phrase, “We succeeded in giving the people hope.”

Jordan Brand has long benched the Air Jordan 16 from its recent retro releases schedule, so this collab certainly shakes up the consistent cycle of Jordans 1s, 3s and 4s. Free The Youth gets to resurrect the year 2001 model with a shoe inspired by Ghanaian culture.

Free The Youth Air Jordan 16 Release Date

Look for the Free The Youth x Air Jordan 16 to release July 17, 2026, for $255 through Free The Youth, Nike SNKRS, and select retailers.

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Free The Youth x Air Jordan 16
Color: Metallic Silver/Total Orange-Picante Red
Style Code: IV7638-001
Release Date: July 17, 2026
Price: $255

Photos: joey_lit

Seen at: SBD