Air Jordan 8 'Hornets' Brings Chris Paul’s Rare PE to Retail

Long before Chris Paul became one of Jordan Brand’s longest-tenured signature athletes, his years with the New Orleans Hornets produced a collection of player exclusives that rarely made their way beyond the basketball court. One of those designs is now inspiring an official release.

The Air Jordan 8 'Hornets' looks back to a PE created for Paul during the 2008-09 NBA season, when the point guard was emerging as one of the league’s biggest stars. His original pair transformed the Air Jordan 8 with the unmistakable colors of his New Orleans team.

Black nubuck dominated that PE, creating a dark foundation for teal and marigold accents. Rather than reproducing the sneaker exactly, Jordan Brand is adapting the concept into a new retail colorway for 2027.

The upcoming version combines Black, New Emerald, and Tour Yellow. Black again covers most of the upper, while emerald and yellow appear throughout the straps, heel, branding, and midsole to recreate the Hornets-inspired identity.

That approach places the sneaker alongside Jordan Brand’s growing interest in revisiting historically difficult-to-obtain player exclusives. Instead of simply reproducing Paul’s original shoe, the 2027 edition makes its influence accessible through a new interpretation.

For longtime collectors, the connection reaches back to an important period in Paul’s career and Jordan Brand history. What began as footwear made specifically for one of the brand’s athletes is returning nearly two decades later as inspiration for a wider release. The Air Jordan 8 'Hornets' is expected to release January 2, 2027, and retail for $215 USD.