Behind the Scenes of Shang-Chi: Simu Liu Didn’t Want to Wear Jordan Shoes at First

Unlike most superheroes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Shang-Chi didn't wear custom shoes to go with his suit, instead opting for Air Jordans. Simu Liu and costume designer Andy Park explained the story behind this, and in fact, Simu Liu himself didn't want to wear them at first.

In an interview with foreign media Inverse, Park explained that Marvel wanted to give their new martial artist (Shang-Chi) a more down-to-earth look, "It (the shoes) is something you and I can wear," but it also reflects the character's national identity.

Park believes that Shang-Chi's clothing should reflect his identity, not only his Asian ancestry, but also his experience as an American immigrant. "Whenever we design a costume, we try our best to tell the story behind the character. The dragon (armor) symbolizes Shang-Chi's mother, and the ten rings were given by his father. He is a product of his mother and father, and also a product of his time in America." This is why there are Jordan shoes, because they symbolize Shang-Chi's American identity.

Actor Simu Liu revealed that he didn't want to wear this kind of shoes at first.

"I was against it at first. I remember during the costume fitting, I was wondering if Shang-Chi was the first superhero to wear sneakers. He should be wearing, like, combat boots or something. I didn't understand their thinking at the time."

But in the end, Liu Simu changed his mind and fell in love with his Jordan shoes.

“As we started shooting, I felt like these shoes were pretty cool and made me more relatable.”