From the press release announcing the latest Jeter shoe:

The Jumpman Jeter Vital features the redesigned Jeter logo, a glow in the dark painted wing, a top cap reinforcement that mimics a steel protective toe cap, four stripes on the heel pull tab representing Jeter’s four World Series victories and Jeter’s number two on the shoe’s outsole and upper alongside a quote “Respect Earned When No One is Looking.” On the bottom of the Jumpman Jeter Vital are five key hidden messages that showcase the five tools necessary to become a baseball star: hitting for average, hitting for power, running with speed, throwing power and accuracy and fielding with an intricate design.

I hope they can add a stripe next year...

Full press release below.

JORDAN BRAND AND DEREK JETER JOIN FORCES TO CREATE THE ULTIMATE BASEBALL TRAINING SHOE

Jumpman Jeter Vital Combines the Best in Shoe Technology and
Pays Tribute to the All-Star Shortstop

BEAVERTON, OR (March 27, 2007) – Today, Jordan Brand announced the launch of the Jumpman Jeter Vital shoe inspired by Team Jordan athlete Derek Jeter. Jeter was one of the original members of the inaugural group of Team Jordan Athletes and is currently one of the only marquee baseball athletes with a signature shoe. This will be Jeter’s seventh shoe for Jordan Brand, with the first being launched in May of 2001.

Categorized as a turf and field trainer, the Jumpman Jeter Vital takes its design cues from the seven-time All Star shortstop for his specific training and performance needs. Whether running wind sprints or pumping iron in the weight room to prepare for the upcoming 2007 season, the Jumpman Jeter Vital is engineered to increase performance, while ensuring comfort ability and optimal support. Officially available in retail stores on Saturday, March 31, 2007, the shoe possesses a combination of synthetic and full grain leather, a foam backed collar lining and heel that offers optimal interior comfort and protection. A symmetrical toe provides better protection against toe drag to enhance bursts of speed. The lateral window cut out supplies Jeter with the freedom of movement to assist in running while allowing his foot to breathe.

“Derek Jeter has been with the Jordan Brand family for more than a decade and continues to epitomize our brand by always aspiring to improve, demanding the best from himself while staying true and understanding that winning is always earned,” said Larry Miller, Vice President and General Manager, Nike Basketball. “The Jumpman Jeter Vital combines the best in shoe technology with odes to Jeter’s amazing career and creates a training shoe that will help others reach their athletic goals.”

The Jumpman Jeter Vital features the redesigned Jeter logo, a glow in the dark painted wing, a top cap reinforcement that mimics a steel protective toe cap, four stripes on the heel pull tab representing Jeter’s four World Series victories and Jeter’s number two on the shoe’s outsole and upper alongside a quote “Respect Earned When No One is Looking.” On the bottom of the Jumpman Jeter Vital are five key hidden messages that showcase the five tools necessary to become a baseball star: hitting for average, hitting for power, running with speed, throwing power and accuracy and fielding with an intricate design.

Since earning the 1996 A.L. Rookie of the Year Award Jeter has gone on to perfect and hone his talent while achieving several key awards including three Gold Gloves for his defensive skills at shortstop. In 2000, Jeter became the first player to win the All-Star Game Most Valuable Player (MVP) award and the World Series MVP in the same season.

The Jumpman Jeter Vital will be supported by a national print and online marketing campaign. The thematic behind the campaign is to showcase just how hard Jeter works in an effort to become the best. The campaign will communicate Jeter’s personal philosophy on training harder than anyone else to overcome aspects of his game that need improvement while enhancing his strengths in an effort to become the best. The campaign’s tagline is “Losing Hurts More.”

About Jordan Brand
A division of Nike, Inc., Jordan Brand is a premium brand of footwear, apparel and accessories inspired by the dynamic legacy, vision and direct involvement of Michael Jordan. The Jordan Brand made its debut in 1997 and has grown into a complete collection of performance and lifestyle products for both men and women. The Jordan Brand remains active in the community by donating a portion of its proceeds to Jordan Fundamentals, an education grants program for teachers.

For more information on Jordan Brand, visit www.Jumpman23.com.