"Perfect for a HR" – Social media lights up over Aaron Judge’s Double Gum Jordan gear

Aaron Judge is once again taking the sports world by storm — and this time it’s not for smashing the snot out of baseballs. The New York Yankees slugger debuted his Cykormatsd “Double Gum” custom Air Jordan 1 Low cleats during a recent batting practice, and the internet went crazy. Fans and fashionistas alike are abuzz over the electric pink and blue design, which is drawn from Judge's odd bubblegum ritual while competing in a game.The "Double Gum" cleats are a part of Judge’s partnership with Jordan Brand and his debut player-exclusive design after joining the company in August 2023. Designed by Jordan Brand PE designer Ryan Smith, the cleats are a nod to Judge's superstition: he starts every game with two pieces of bubblegum and only changes pieces when he strikes out. The idea is to use the same “tough” piece of gum after you finish the game to represent that you had a successful game.The kicks sport a light pink base, contrasted by darker pink overlays alongside hinted blue hits on the tongue, Nike Swoosh, and heel tabs. The shoe also features splatter pattern details and a zig-zag texture, inspired by bubblegum wrappers, as well as a hot pink plastic sole and silver spikes for protection and traction. The Yankees’ stringent uniform policy means Judge won’t be able to wear these cleats in actual games, however, he was spotted wearing them for pre-game batting practice with matching batting gloves.Also Read: Yankees' Aaron Judge makes fan’s birthday unforgettable by signing his jerseyWhen the “Double Gum” cleats hit the field for the first time, fans had mixed feelings. Some were impressed with the design: “About to start play sports just to wear these,” raved one commentator. Others were less taken with the sneaker, deriding the hot pink colorway with nicknames like “Barbie Judge” while calling it “Pepto Bismol 11s.”Others seem split on which way they want to lean, but the cleats have definitely had people talking, and that’s just another way that Judge has continued to make an impact on the game both on and off the field. The second Yankees captain to sign with Jordan Brand (after Derek Jeter), Aaron Judge’s deal indicates a new era of athlete endorsements, as well as of personalized sports style.Though the “Double Gum” cleats are exclusive to Judge, the chatter they’ve caused indicates there’s a market appetite for similar designs. While fans eagerly await potential public releases, Judge remains a stylish figure in the world of baseball.