Sneaker culture has a funny way of moving on too fast. One minute everyone is losing their minds over a shock drop, and the next, that pair is buried under a mountain of newer, shinier releases. But some shoes just stick. They have this weird, magnetic pull that keeps them relevant years after the hype cycle should have swallowed them whole. The Air Jordan XXXV Rui Hachimura PE Cherry is exactly that kind of sneaker. It isn’t just a basketball shoe; it is a literal piece of cultural fusion stitched together with premium suede and a whole lot of Japanese heritage.
Honestly, it's rare to see a Player Exclusive (PE) get this much love from people who aren't even Wizards fans. Rui Hachimura joined the Jordan Brand roster back in 2019, and ever since, he’s been getting some of the most inspired colorways in the entire lineup. This specific "Cherry" or "Cranberry" iteration of the XXXV (35) is a standout. It’s loud. It’s bold. It feels expensive. When you look at the deep red overlays against that crisp natural base, you aren't just looking at "team colors." You’re looking at a nod to the Hinomaru—the Japanese flag—and a tribute to Hachimura’s roots.
What Makes the Air Jordan XXXV Rui Hachimura PE Cherry Different?
Most performance shoes look like gadgets. They look like something you’d find in a laboratory. The XXXV, in general, has that Eclipse Plate 2.0 which is very "space-age," but the Rui Hachimura PE softens all that tech with materials that feel almost artisanal.
The first thing you’ll notice is the texture. We aren't talking about that standard, plasticky synthetic stuff you find on most modern hoops shoes. The Air Jordan XXXV Rui Hachimura PE Cherry uses a heavy-duty, cracked leather texture and incredibly soft suede. The red—that "Cherry" hue—isn't a flat primary color. It has depth. It looks like it was dyed in a traditional vat. This matters because it bridges the gap between a high-performance athlete’s tool and a luxury collectible.
Then there is the tongue. Most people overlook the tongue, but on this pair, it’s the star. You’ve got the iconic Jumpman on one side, but on the other, you have Rui’s personal "H" logo. It’s styled like a samurai sword stroke, incorporating his name and a sense of motion. It’s a subtle flex. It tells you this shoe wasn't just pulled off a conveyor belt; it was curated.
The Engineering Behind the Aesthetics
You can’t talk about this shoe without talking about the Eclipse Plate 2.0. It’s that big, hollowed-out section in the midsole. It looks cool, sure, but its actual job is to maximize the Zoom Air units. If you’ve ever played in these, you know the bounce is real. The XXXV is widely considered one of the best-performing Jordan flagships of the last decade because of how it handles energy return.
But here’s the thing: most "PE" colorways that actually hit retail (which is rare enough as it is) usually sacrifice some of the "on-court" feel for "off-court" looks. Not here. The lockdown is still elite. The Flightwire cables—those thin strands you see on the side—keep your foot from sliding around when you’re making hard cuts.
Flightwire is basically the modern evolution of Flywire. It’s light. It’s strong. It’s basically invisible until you tie your laces and feel the whole upper suck down onto your foot. It's a weird sensation if you're used to old-school leather sneakers, but for performance, it’s a game-changer.
Why Collectors Are Still Hunting This Specific Colorway
The market for the Air Jordan XXXV Rui Hachimura PE Cherry hasn't really cooled down. Why? Because it represents a "first." Rui was the first Japanese player to be drafted in the first round of the NBA draft. He was the first Japanese player signed to Jordan Brand. For a lot of collectors in Asia and the US, this shoe is a trophy of that milestone.
It also helps that the "Cherry" colorway is legendary in Jordan history. Think back to the Jordan 12 or the Jordan 11. Red and white is a "safe" bet for Nike, but the way they applied it to the XXXV feels fresh. It doesn't feel like a lazy tribute. It feels like its own thing.
I’ve talked to guys who refuse to wear their pair on a court. They say the suede is too nice to ruin with floor burns or sweat. I get it. But at the same time, the XXXV was built to be thrashed. It’s got that herringbone traction pattern that grips like a tire. It’s a bit of a tragedy to keep them in a box, honestly.
Let’s Be Real About the Fit
If you’re looking to pick up a pair now on the secondary market, you need to know about the sizing. The XXXV is notoriously snug. That Eclipse Plate? It arches up into your midfoot. If you have flat feet, you might find it a bit intrusive at first.
👉 See also: The Messy Reality of King Richard and Prince John: What Most People Get Wrong
- Go true to size if you want a one-to-one performance fit for basketball.
- Go up half a size if you’re wearing these casually or have a wider foot.
- Expect a break-in period. That plate is stiff. It needs a few hours of wear to start flexing with your foot instead of against it.
The Cultural Weight of the "Black Samurai"
Rui Hachimura’s nickname, "Black Samurai," isn't just a catchy moniker; it’s his identity. The Air Jordan XXXV Rui Hachimura PE Cherry incorporates this through the packaging and the small details. The box itself is a work of art, often featuring traditional Japanese-inspired graphics that you just don't get with a standard pair of Jordans.
There is a specific "warrior" aesthetic here. The red isn't just a color; it represents the spirit and intensity Rui brings to the game. When he's on the floor, he’s powerful and methodical. The shoe reflects that. It’s sturdy. It’s not a "lightweight" shoe in the sense that a Kobe or a KD is. It has some heft to it. It feels like armor.
Comparing the XXXV to Rui’s Other PEs
Rui has had several PEs since he joined the brand. We’ve seen the "Warrior" 34, the "Crane" 36, and even his own Jordan 8 and Jordan 1 versions. But the 35 "Cherry" sits in a sweet spot.
- The XXXIV (34) PE: This was more of a "first look" into his style. It used a lot of mismatched patterns and was very experimental. Great shoe, but maybe too busy for some.
- The XXXV (35) Cherry: This found the balance. It used premium materials but kept the color blocking simple and iconic. It’s arguably the most "wearable" of his performance PEs.
- The XXXVI (36) Crane: This one went full "art piece." It’s beautiful, with intricate embroidery, but it feels almost too delicate for a heavy-duty workout.
The XXXV is the tank of the group. It’s the one you pick when you want to look good but also need to know the shoe won't fail you if you actually decide to jump.
Technical Breakdown (The Stuff That Matters)
If we’re getting into the weeds, the cushioning setup is the real hero. You have a large volume Zoom Air unit in the heel and another one in the forefoot.
In a world where many brands are moving toward "foam only" setups to save weight, Jordan Brand doubled down on Air for the 35. You can actually see the units through the Eclipse Plate. It’s a cool visual, but more importantly, it provides a very distinct "pop." When you land from a jump, you don't just sink into the shoe; you bounce back.
The traction is another high point. It’s a classic herringbone. No weird "data-informed" patterns that only work on pristine NBA floors. This is old-school, deep-groove rubber that works even on a slightly dusty local gym floor. It’s reliable. That’s the word for the Air Jordan XXXV Rui Hachimura PE Cherry: Reliable.
How to Spot the Real Deal
Since this was a limited release and is now mostly found on sites like StockX, GOAT, or eBay, you have to be careful. The "Cherry" PE has been replicated, though not as much as a Jordan 1 or 4.
Watch the "cracked" leather on the red overlays. On fakes, this often looks "printed" on or way too uniform. On the real deal, the texture is irregular and feels slightly rough to the touch. Also, check the embroidery on the tongue logo. The "H" should be crisp, with no "bleeding" threads between the strokes.
The color of the "natural" or "sail" base should be slightly off-white, not a stark, bleached white. If it looks like printer paper, it’s probably a knockoff. The original has a warmth to it that complements the deep red perfectly.
Insights for Owners and Buyers
If you’re sitting on a pair or looking to buy the Air Jordan XXXV Rui Hachimura PE Cherry, keep these points in mind for longevity and style:
- Maintenance: Since the red overlays are suede/nubuck, do not use heavy liquids to clean them. A dry suede brush and a specialized eraser are your best friends. If you get them wet, the red dye can bleed onto the white sail material. Be careful.
- Styling: These are "loud" shoes. They look best with neutral tones—think black joggers, grey sweats, or even dark denim. Let the shoes be the centerpiece of the outfit.
- Investment Value: While performance shoes don't always appreciate like "Retro" Jordans, Rui’s PEs are an exception. They occupy a niche at the intersection of NBA history and Japanese culture. They are "hold" items.
Final Thoughts on the Legacy
The Air Jordan XXXV Rui Hachimura PE Cherry isn't just another colorway in a long line of Jordan releases. It represents a specific moment in time where Jordan Brand started looking globally in a very serious way. It proved that a performance model could be as beautiful and culturally significant as a lifestyle sneaker.
Whether you're a fan of Rui, a collector of unique PEs, or just someone who appreciates a damn good red-and-white sneaker, the "Cherry" 35 is a high-water mark for the brand. It’s a shoe that looks just as good in a display case as it does on a fast break.
To keep your pair in top condition, store them with silica packets to manage moisture, especially given the suede components. If you're buying today, prioritize listings that include the original "Rui" branded box, as it significantly impacts the long-term collector value. Always verify the seller's reputation when dealing with PE releases, as these were distributed in smaller quantities than general release colorways.