The Jordan Shoe History

The Nike Air Jordan Evolution

Apart from the Air Jordan models that are being released, Jordan Brand also provides a whole line of apparel and shoes for fashion, training, and casual wear. Not just a basketball shoes, the Jordan brand has released the Jordan Trunner, the Team Deuce-Trey, the Jordan Cue, and the Jordan Jumpman Team FBI. The following is a brief look at the evolution of signature Air Jordan shoes.

AIR JORDAN I - Released March 1985

The Air Jordan I was designed by Peter Moore and marked a new era in the design of basketball shoes. The black/red model was banned by the NBA due to NBA color rules and this actually helped to create more publicity and more interest for the shoes. Whether this was a marketing ploy from Nike or not, it helped to generate the interest that, to date, has supported nineteen different Jordan shoes, retro versions, and limited editions.

The original Air Jordan I came with a double set of laces to match the two colors of the shoe. For example, the black/red's came with one set of black laces and one set of red laces.

The white/black-red and black/red Jordan I was released as a retro in 1994 and sold very poorly, however in 2001 they released them again in patent leather and the demand was much greater. Despite the changing of the times, the Air Jordan line has managed to survive controversy and changes in fashion while producing a quality basketball shoe.

The first Air Jordan shoe is so hot it's banned from the league. Michael flies through the season and earns a trip to the All-Star game and Rookie of the Year Honors. In the 1986 play-offs, Michael drops in an incredible 63 points against Boston. The first Air Jordan model featured the "winged basketball" Air Jordan logo on the outside at approximately ankle level. (It's on the blue portion of the pictured shoe.) This picture shows the atypical (for an original) Air Jordan 1 colors of black and blue. Original versions were made in 1985 and cost $65. Reissues were made in 1994, 2001, and 2003. Released in 1985, the start of a great era. Michael Jordan was the #3 overall draft pick by the NBA. Performing a wonderful three years with North Carolina and was co-captain of the Olympic basketball team that everyone know won won the gold medal. Nike understood that Michael would be something else and signed him up to make a line of shoes and apparel. This shoe comes in black with blood red trim and has white base.

AIR JORDAN II - Released November 1986

The Air Jordan II was designed by Bruce Kilgore and just as its predecessor it showed a great innovative design. The low-tops were produced in Italy and and were far more stylish than the ordinary basketball shoe.

Surprisingly this is the only original Air Jordan ever that has not been made in a black version. While there were plans to release the Air Jordan II in black, these never became a reality for the original release of the Jordan II.

The white/black AJ II's were retroed in 1994 in limited quantities. Just like the Air Jordan Retro I they sold very poorly and were often found deeply discounted at shoe stores nationwide. The Jordan II have been recently re-retroed, finally in black leather. The Jordan Retro II is also available in white/varsity red-black.

Along with a return trip to the All-Star game, Michael wins his first in a series of scoring titles, as well as the Slam-Dunk Championship. He becomes the first player since the 1960s to top 3,000 points in a single season. He plays nine straight games with 40 points or more. In short, Michael informs everyone why he's destined to become the with 40 points or more. In short, Michael informs everyone why he's destined to become the greatest player ever.

When I saw these shoes in reissue in the fall of 1995, I was tempted to buy them. (Their design simplicity reminded me a lot of the Air Jordan 9.) The reissue had both low-top and high-top versions. The original shoes were made in Italy during 1986 and 1987. They originally sold for $100. The "winged basketball" logo present in Air Jordan 1 moved to the top of the tongue. The logo is partially visible through the laces in this picture. The Jordan II was designed by Bruce Kilgore and just as its predecessor it showed a great innovative design. The low-tops were very stylish, produced in Italy and were far from the ordinary nike basketball shoe. Surprisingly this is the only Air Jordan II ever that has not been made in a black version. There were sketches and prototypes of a black leather AJ II but it never became reality. Why? Nobody has the answer. The white/black Jordan II 's were retroed in 1994 in limited quantities. Just like the Jordan I's they sold very poorly and were found on discount racks on Footlockers nationwide.

AIR JORDAN III - Released February 1988

The design of the Air Jordan III was totally different from the Jordan I and Jordan II. It was the first pair of Jordan shoes that showed a visible air sole. The designer behind this innovation was Tinker Hatfield who designed every Air Jordan model up to the 15th.

This was also the very first Air Jordan to feature the Jumpman logo instead of the Wings logo on the first two Jordan shoes. While the Jordan III might be one of the most popular Air Jordan's ever, it was nonetheless highly unpopular when retroed in 1994.

Michael racks up every major honor in the league, defending his Slam-Dunk title, selection to the First Team, the All-Defensive First Team, All-Star Game MVP Award, Defensive Player of the Year, and the league MVP Award. He leads Chicago past the first round of the playoffs and serves notice that this team must not be taken lightly.

This is the first model of Air Jordan that made the Nike AIR visible (as well as the first with the JUMPMAN logo). Originals were made in 1987 and hit the market in early 1988. The original price was $100. Reissues were made in 1994 and 2001. The sides also included decorative artificial iguana skin.

The new jordan III was excellent. The design was totally different from the jordan I and jordan II and was the first pair of Air Jordans that showed a visible air sole. Behind it stood Tinker Hatfield who since then have designed every Air Jordan model up to the 15th. This was also the very first Air Jordan, the jordan III, to feature the Jumpman logotype instead of the Wings-logo that was on the I's and II's.

This might be one of the most popular Air Jordan's ever. It has won numerous polls when questioning which is the greatest sneaker of all time. Jordan III fans also freaked out when they retroed this model in 1994. Shoe stores once again had major problems selling them though.

Nike created a personality ad campaign featuring the Mars Blackmon character who was created and played by director/actor Spike Lee. This campaign followed Jordan III 's for a couple of years and is definately one of the most appreciated Nike commercial series through all time. The Air Jordan III was a major reason to the Air Jordan line's overall success.

AIR JORDAN IV - Released February 1989

The design of the Air Jordan IV, courtesy of Tinker Hatfield, kept a lot of the feeling from the third model. It wasnt as innovative or groundbreaking as the previous designs, but by the this time the Air Jordan shoes line had gained the publics attention, leading to sell outs everywhere. The Jordan IV was even featured in director Spike Lees movie Do The Right Thing. Apparently, the director really liked these shoes and decided to shoe his allegiance to them by giving the Jordans a cameo. One of the characters in the movie has his new Air Jordan IV shoes scuffed by a bicycle rider. He places his shoe upon a fire-hydrant and cleans it with a toothbrush. The Jordan IV was retroed 1999 in white/black and black/cement grey. Stores sold out after a few hours and demand was high; a complete change from the retro versions of Jordan I, Jordan II, and Jordan III. At the same time, Nike/Jordan realized an opportunity to create more sales by releasing Retro+ models with a similar design but different colors or very small design changes. These Retro+ models sold fairly although reactions to them are mixed. Michael earns another All-Star selection, his third consecutive scoring title, and is chosen for the First Team and the All-Defensive First Team. Gravity-defying dunks and the tongue are all becoming his trademarks. The Michael Jordan "JUMPMAN" logo is on the tongue (not easy to see in this picture). Both the Air Jordan 3 and the Air Jordan 4 have a tendency for the midsole to crack around the AIR hole. The original Air Jordan 4 was made in 1988 and hit the market in early 1989. They originally sold for $100. This shoe was reissued in June 1999, but dealers went through their limited supply almost instantly. One of my readers pointed out that the reissue replaced certain components that were plastic in the original with leather. When it came to commercials Nike went on with Mars Blackmon (Spike Lee) and came up with the famous Can/Can't tv commercial. Spike Lee seriously liked these Air Jordan IV shoes personally and gave them some extra promotion in his movie "Do The Right Thing". A classic scene for all AJ fans is when one of the persons in the movie gets his brand new AJ IV' s scuffed by a bicycle rider and flips out about it, places his shoe upon a fire-hydrant and cleans it with a toothbrush. When the Air Jordan IV 's were retro'd 1999 in white/black and black/cement grey it was crazy. Stores sold out after a few hours and everyone seemed to want a pair. As you can see a totally different approach to when the Air Jordan I's, Air Jordan II's and Air Jordan III's were first retroed.

AIR JORDAN V - Released February 1990

Once again Tinker Hatfield introduced a revolutionary design for the Jordan V. A few design elements were carried over from the Jordan IV, but the Air Jordan V featured a great silver/reflex tongue and a clear/see-through rubber sole creating a completely unique look. With the addition of lacelocks and shark teeth shapes on the midsole, this shoe is rumoured to have been inspired by a World War II fighter plane.

The clear rubber sole also seen in later Air Jordan Models such as VI, XI and XVI has upset many collectors due to its tendency to turn yellow. These Jordan shoes were retroed in late 1999 in white/black-fire red and black/black-met silver meeting great demand and enthusiasm in the marketplace. Retro+ models were also produced; one model featuring Michael Jordans high school colors.

Being cut from his high school basketball team just made him work harder. Michael scores a career-high 69 points in one game against Cleveland. He is chosen for the First Team, the All-Star Team, and wins his fourth scoring title

Once again Hatfield had came up with a awesome design for the new shoe, the Air Jordan V. A few features were picked up from its predecessor but it featured a fantastic silver/reflex tounge and a clear/see-through rubber sole that gave it a completely unique look. Also there were lacelocks which made it simple to strap them on.

The design for the Air Jordan V is rumoured to be inspired by the WW2 Mustang fighter plane and the most obvious elements that shows this are the shark teeth shapes on the midsole.

Hatfield has since then found inspiration from other fast means of conveyance, for instance the Ferrarri 550 M (XIV) and the X-15 (XV).

Note that the Air Jordan "JUMPMAN" logo is imprinted on the shoe sole as well as the tongue. Originals were made in 1989 and 1990 and sold for $125. Reissues came out in 2000.

AIR JORDAN VI - Released February 1991

Yet another Hatfield design. The Jordan VI kept the clear soles and lacelocks from the Jordan V, but added a rubber tongue with two holes for getting the shoe on.

The pattern on the shoe was interesting. If you look at the shoe the right way, the number 23 appears with the number 2 standing upright on the back of the shoe and the number 3 laying down, facing the ground near the laces.

The retro release of the Jordan VI is exactly like the original release, although a an incorrect sample caused quite an uproar among fans of the Air Jordan line.

After seven years in the league, Michael leads Chicago to a 4-1 victory over Los Angeles for their first Championship. Along the way, he snags his fifth scoring title, his second MVP Award, is picked for the All-Star Team and is awarded the Finals MVP.

What is there to say else than Hatfield created another classic, the jordan VI . This time with a rubber tounge featuring two holes which the bearer could use to easily get the kicks on. He kept the idea with clear rubber soles and lace locks from the V's but apart from that this felt like a brand new Jordan design.

The pattern on the jordan VI was interesting. If you looked at it in different angels and with a little bit of imagination you could see the number 23. The figure two standing up on the back of the shoe and the figure three lying down facing the ground close to the laces (soon there will be a picture illustrating this).

The original Air Jordan 6 was made in late 1990 and sold in 1991 for $125. Reissues were made in August 2000.

AIR JORDAN VII - Released February 1992

The Air Jordan VII seems to be Hatfields fusion of the Nike Air Huarache and the previous Jordan model, the Jordan VI. The Nike Huarache technology was used to create a locked-down fit which sneakerheads really loved, but the visible air sole and the Nike Air logo disappeared, creating joy for some and consternation for others. This is the only shoe in the Jordan shoe line that has been released with the number 9 instead of the number 23. The number 9 was his Olympic jersey number and this model, featuring Olympic colors and jersey number, was a special edition.

The Air Jordan VII was met with strong feelings of love or hate. This is the first of the Air Jordans to create division among the ranks of loyal fans and customers.

Michael wins his third MVP award, his sixth scoring title, a finals MVP award, his second championship and his second Gold Medal. He ends an incredible season by sinking 35 points in one half of game one in the finals against Portland.

Hatfield created a shoe, the Air Jordan VII with many similarities with the previous Air Jordan model. What was unique with the VII's was that they used some of the Nike Huarache technology to create a Air Jordan VII that really stuck to your foot. What also made you either frown or smile was the fact that the visible air sole, the Nike Air logo and the yellowing soles all were gone.

When Michael Jordan went to the Olympics with the Dream Team, Nike released a special olympic color combo of the Air Jordan VII 's. This model also featured Jordan's olympic jersey number, 9 which made it very special since all of the previous Air Jordan models that featured his jersey number had always been either stitched or printed with the number 23.

The Air Jordan VII was one of the first models that really caused the customers and collectors to take a stand. Some people straight up hated it and others loved it more than any previous model.

Sure, taste is individual and previous models had also been met with criticism but nothing as obvious as with the Air Jordan VII 's. Who knows, this might have been due to the fact that Jordan's popularity was huge by now and that Air Jordan's now were exported to all four corners of the globe making the customers a greater number than before.

Ever since the Air Jordan VII's taking a stand when it comes to the design has been a lot more obvious and we've always seen distinct pro and con divisions within the circle of customers.

The Air Jordan 7 was the 1992 version, and it originally sold for $125. Most versions had "23" on the heel, but they also made a version with "9" on the heel, for Michael's jersey number at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics (the one known for the "sweats with the Reebok logo" flap, where many of the Nike endorsers engaged in various tactics to obscure the Vector logo). This is a rare and highly desirable version.

AIR JORDAN VIII - Released February 1993

The eighth model of the Air Jordan could politely be called chunky. The base of the shoe was clearly modeled on the design of the Jordan XVII, but the Air Jordan VIII added more colors and details. Thick padding for and criss-crossing Velcro straps over the upper made for a great fit but some players experienced problems with heat buildup and a clumsy feeling due to the weight

The Jumpman logo on this model vaguely resembles a Peace sign, especially on the white/grey Retro version with its shaggy carpet-like jumpman, leading to the Jordan VIIIs nickname: the flower-power Air Jordan.

Available in only three color combinations, the Air Jordan VIII sold very well in its original and retro versions. The model has since been discontinued.

Michael Jordan continues his unmatched ability to take control of the game and inspire greatness in his teammates. A seven-time scoring champion, he achieves his highest finals scoring average with 41 points against Phoenix to lead Chicago to a third Championship. This is the 1993 version, and it originally sold for $140. These are well-known for the two straps that go across the vamp.

AIR JORDAN IX - Released February 1993

On October 6th 1993, Michael Jordan announced his decision to retire from the NBA, spelling potential doom for the signature shoe line. The Jordan IX was a durable and plain shoe at first glance, but it came with lots of interesting details such as the large 23 stitched on the back of the shoe and the multi-lingual words on the soles of both shoes. The words and the available translations are listed below.

Right Shoe:

ddi (French) – dedicated
fuerza (Spanish) – force
intenso (Italian) – intense
libert (French) – freedom
anmutig (German) - graceful

Left Shoe:

спорт (Russian) – sport
uhuru (Swahili) – independence
свобода (Russian) – freedom
athletisch (German) – athletic
muundaji (Swahili) - ?

Nine years of refinement produces the 1993 Air Jordan shoe. Michael helps design the first Air Jordan that he never wears in competition. Michael announces he will turn his talents to the sport of baseball. Doing what he's always done - playing for the love of the game.

The Jordan IX being released was plain and sturdy and was the first Jordan IX model that Michael did not wear in an NBA seasonal game (due to his retirement in November 1993). They originally sold for $125. (Other people I knew agreed that these were great shoes.) Here is the Air Jordan 9, updated in 2002 to the Washington Wizards colors.

AIR JORDAN X - Released November 1994

Nike was caught off guard with Michael Jordans sudden return to the court. Before releasing the Jordan X, they re-released several older Jordan models. The Air Jordan X is nothing special and relatively plain even when you stop to consider that the white/black/light steel grey colorway looks like it just broke out of prison or a herd of zebras. The design is clearly a combination of several older Jordans.

The Air Jordan VII was met with strong feelings of love or hate. This is the first of the Air Jordans to create division among the ranks of loyal fans and customers.

Expecting never to see the man in the game again, this year's shoe was released with a retrospective of MJ's career. The sole of this new AJ listed some of Michael's greatest achievements from each year of his professional career. On March 19, 1995, after months of rumors, Michael ended his retirement and returned to the court.

The Air Jordan X (10) was released in 1994 / 1995. Michaels new baseball career was interrupted when the player strike took effect. Rumours broke out that he would return to the game of basketball and on March 19th 1995 Michael Jordan was back on the floor wearing Air Jordan X shoes.

It's apparent that Nike wasn't expecting to see Jordan back in the game so soon. They started to re-release older model's of the Air Jordan series (I, II, III) and the Air Jordan X 's soles featured an honor or an award from each year Michael had spent in the NBA. This shoe is best remembered as the one that listed various of Michael Jordan's basketball feats in the light gray bars of the sole pattern. (As the kid versions got smaller and smaller, fewer events got listed.) This model came out in the fall of 1994 and originally sold for $125. There are some reports that Michael Jordan didn't find this shoe very comfortable.

AIR JORDAN XI - Released November 1995

The Air Jordan XI heralded a triple comeback; Jordans return to the NBA, the return of designer Tinker Hatfield, and disappointingly, the return of the unpopular clear soles that yellowed with age.

While the design of this model was premium, the quality was sadly lacking and despite the release of low-top versions, the Jordan XI was not the most popular of all the Air Jordan shoes.

When the Jordan XI's were retroed in 2000-2001 they became the fastest selling, most popular Jordan retros of all.

Michael's intuitive insight of bringing a "formal look" to the court, served as the inspiration for this remarkable rendition. Like the man, the Air Jordan XI is sophisticated and without equal.

Michael Jordan was back and so was Tinker Hatfield. An amazing design with a new patent leather and the return of the clear rubber sole made the Air Jordan XI the most appreciated Air Jordan model ever created.

But when the design stunned everyone, the durability and quality was disappointing. Again the clear rubber soles easily yellowed and the patent leather also tended to crack up and/or easily get scratched. The Air Jordan X1 had top design but it was lacking quality.

With the Air Jordan X1 's we also saw the return of low-tops. Something that would follow the Air Jordan's all the way to the XVI's (although skipping the XII's).

Michael was fined $5000 per game during the semifinals in 1995 for wearing the white/black-dk concord ones. He wore them twice and this was looked upon as uniform violation as the rest of the Bulls wore entirely black shoes. (This kind of brings back memories from when the I's were banned from the NBA.)

Being fined two games was enough though and the next game he wore Anfernee Hardaway's shoes.

But did Nike enjoy MJ not wearing AJ's? Probably not as he got the "Space Jam's" for the remaining games. The same shoes that could also be seen in the movie Space Jam.

When the Air Jordan XI 's were retroed in 2000-2001 they would prove to become the retro that sold in the highest quantity ever and also the fastest selling Air Jordan's of all time. The back of the Air Jordan 11 is notched, but the notch is covered with a stretchable fabric. The notch has a stylized "23" (like a light-emitting diode display, but very stretched) imprinted on it. This model originally came out in the fall of 1995 and sold for $125.

There were also some made with the number "45" (as Michael Jordan's "23" was not out of retirement) but these are very rare. On the inside of the tongue, the label states "Quality basketball products inspired by the greatest player ever." (At least according to the marketing department in Beaverton.)

AIR JORDAN XII - Released November 1996

The Jordan XII was a completely new design for Air Jordan shoes with ribbed leather that matched and blended with the midsoles. This unique design was inspired by the flag of the Japanese Army & Navy in which the red circle is surrounded by a sunset.

The Jordan XII was the most durable Air Jordan to date, but they did have one major flaw. The Jordan XII attracted dirt easily and were hard to clean.

In September 1997 Nike decided to launch a new sub-brand of Nike called Jordan Brand. The Jordan XII was the first Jordan shoe of the new Jordan brand and was also the first Air Jordan that did not have a Nike logo or Swoosh.

Michael continues to dominate on the court, and in game 5 of the Finals against Utah, he reminds everyone why he is unstoppable. Michael plays through the game with a severe stomach virus. Despite riding on no sleep, no food, and no energy. Michael leads Chicago to victory with 38 points and a game-winning three-pointer.

While Nike did not reveal the JORDAN Brand marketing plan until late 1997, there were earlier, tantalizing hints in the products on store shelves.

While the Air Jordan 12 was still on store shelves, Nike brought forth the JUMPMAN Pro. It was a shoe with many Air Jordan characteristics, including the "JUMPMAN" logo, but not the "Air Jordan" name. Similarly, while the Air Jordan 13 was on the store shelves, the JUMPMAN Pro Quick and JUMPMAN Pro Strong came to market. Late 1997 brought forth a troika of shoes that started the JORDAN Brand. The Air Jordan 13, Air Jordan Team, and Air Jordan Trainer have come to market. (Note that the JORDAN Brand products do not have the NIKE name or the SWOOSH on them. Similarly, the packaging only carries the NIKE name and address in tiny type, heretofore only used for the exclusions on insurance policies, on the bottom.) The JUMPMAN Pro Quick and JUMPMAN Pro Strong from Spring and Summer 1998 are also JORDAN Brand products. Only the Nike athletic shoe wizards (and, undoubtedly, some industrial spies in the athletic shoe plants) know what surprises are coming next. A picture of what turned out to be the Air Jordan 14 arrived in my E-mail in June 1998, about six months before the introduction of the shoe. Fall 1998 brought some real surprises, including the Women's Jordan. Nike has brought out a number of shoes since in the JUMPMAN product line, as well as the Air Jordan 15 through the Air Jordan 20.

This Air Jordan XII was again something totally new when it came to the design. The way the ribbed leather seemed to go all the way to down to the ground due to the match in color with the midsoles, really made people turn their heads. This unique design was partly inspired by the flag of the Japanese Army & Navy in which the red circle is surrounded by a "sunset".

The Air Jordan XII 's were also one of the most durable Air Jordans to date. It seemed almost nothing could break these shoes down. One major disadvantage was that they fairly easily got dirty and were hard to clean. Especially the ones with white midsoles/soles.

In September 1997 Nike decided to launch a new sub-brand of Nike called Jordan Brand. This made the Air Jordan XII one of the first products that were a part of the Jordan Brand collection.

Probably due to this fact, the Air Jordan XII was the first Air Jordan that did not have a Swoosh or a Nike logo anywhere on the shoe. Not even on the insole. The red and black version would likely scare the ducks away, but it didn't scare away many teenagers (either male or female) around Houston. It came out in fall 1996, at $140 ($15 more than the year before).

AIR JORDAN XIII - Released November 1997

Now that Nike and Air Jordan designer, Tinker Hatfield were a little more prepared, they were able to keep producing original designs for the Nike Air Jordan line.

One of the nicest features of this Jordan model was a hologram on the ankle showing a basketball, the number 23, and the Jumpman logo.

The low-top versions of the Jordan XIII were released without this nifty feature though, much to the disappointment of many.

Perhaps Michael's most famous shot ever took place in Game 6 of the Finals against Utah. His final shot before retiring (a second time), his final shot for Chicago, it also proves to be the game winner, handing the team their third consecutive Championship.

Hatfield kept on making original designs. The Air Jordan XIII 's featured a nice hologram on the ankle and the design was said to be inspired by a panther. The outsole with pads like a paw and circles representing whiskers.

Two different low-top colors of the Air Jordan XIII were also released to the public. These without the hologram. The first Air Jordan 13 models hit store shelves in November 1997 with a price tag of $150. (January 1998 followed with a model with more red, and an all-black model later on in the year.) The shoe is almost completely black and white. There is a small amount of red on the tongue, "AIR JORDAN" logo, and the sole.

Note the round "ankle patch" near the back of the shoe. The text and picture below describe it in more detail.

The "ankle patch" on the Air Jordan 13 is on the wrong side and in the wrong place to be a structural ankle patch in the Converse "Chuck Taylor" All Star tradition. It's a one-inch circular hologram with three distinct layered images. From the back to the front, the hologram shows:

A basketball.

The number "23" in a outlined block font.

"Air Jordan" going up for a basket, wearing a warm-up suit.

The effect is largely lost in a picture. However, the picture below is an attempt to show the hologram. The number "2" and a portion of the "Air Jordan" image is visible. (For what it's worth, my best amateur attempts to render the hologram came out better than most of the professional photographers' attempts I have seen.)

The sole picture collection shows the Air Jordan 13. Shortly after the release of the Air Jordan 13, Nike started bringing the rest of the "JORDAN Brand" clothing and shoe line to market. Nike markets these products as if they are a completely separate brand, designated by the "JUMPMAN" instead of the usual "SWOOSH."

Starting with the third color of Air Jordan 13, future JORDAN Brand products will be released for sale on Saturdays. Press releases from JORDAN Brand marketing indicated that many school districts had trouble with kids playing hooky on Air Jordan introduction days. (Hopefully, Jewish kids will behave and not ditch synagogue!). In addition to the Air Jordan 13, the JORDAN Brand line has two new shoe models. The first one is the Air Jordan Team, and there's nothing really surprising there. The heel has a logo ("Jordan BASKETBALL Team"), reminiscent in shape and color to a tail light from an old Ford.

AIR JORDAN XIV - Released November 1998

The design of the Air Jordan XIV, inspired by Michael Jordans Ferrari 550M, was a stroke of sheer genius on the part of Hatfield and fitting shoe to accompany Jordans second retirement from the NBA.

The Jordan XIV is a sleek, performance driven shoe that is as close to perfection as weve tested.

Features include, laces with metal aglets (the tips on the ends of the laces) and seven Jumpman logos per shoes equaling a total of fourteen. Overall, the Jordan XIV is a stylish, lightweight shoe that is perhaps the best Air Jordan model of them all.

Inspired by Michael's love of cars, the AJ XIV takes on the stylish design of Michael's very own Ferrari 550 M. As usual, it's a shoe to inspire greatness in all players.

The design of the Air Jordans XIV was inspired by Michaels car, the Ferrari 550 M, and was made by Tinker Hatfield together with Mark Smith. A fantastic stylish design and an awesome shoe for Michael to end his NBA career in.

This was the first Air Jordans XIV that would feature laces with metal tips. Something that both the XV's and XVI's designs also would use.

The Air Jordan XIV 's also begun the trend of having a number of things that would count towards the model# of the shoe. On the Air Jordan XIV 's each shoe had seven jumpmans; ferrari-like shield, insole, sole, back, 2 x lacetip and front. Counting them on both shoes makes it a total of 14 (XIV) Jumpmans. That summer, I was getting different reports about the price; some said $165, others said $150. When the shoe came out in Fall 1998, the ones that said $150 were right! (I'd suspect that Nike decided that a $165 shoe wouldn't help public relations. On the other hand, who would ever think that the Air Jordan market would be price sensitive?)

AIR JORDAN XV - Released November 1999

The Jordan XV was the first shoe released after its namesakes retirement, but despite missing its endorser, the Air Jordan was a decent product that sold fairly well. With a designer look, based on NASAs 1950s X-15 aircraft, the look of the shoe was a radical change from its predecessors.

Modeled after the ultra-fast X-15 fighter jet, these aerodynamic kicks took off like a shot. Despite Michael's absence from the game, these Air Jordans were as popular as ever.

AIR JORDAN XVI - Released February 2001

Former Air Jordan designer Tinker Hatfield had moved on by the time of the Jordan XVI. The Air Jordan XVI was designed by Hatfield replacement, Nike Senior Footwear Designer, Wilson Smith.

With a little fresh blood in the design process, the Jordan XVI was perhaps the first truly fresh design since the Jordan III, despite the fact that Smith decided to recycle a few of the design elements of earlier releases, such as the clear soles and patent leather. What made the Jordan XVI new was a removable gaiter/shroud, giving the shoe two looks for the price of one.

Not only a stylish addition, this feature helped to control temperature and comfort for the wearer. Like all new things, this design had a few bugs to be worked out. The overall feel of the shoe was a little stiff and the shroud easily came off during very active wear and the patent leather didnt wear as well as other materials. Even with these problems, the overall concept and design of the Air Jordan XVI was excellent and Wilson Smith certainly lived up to the example of his predecessor.

The first shoe to incorporate a removable shroud these Air Jordans offered two unique looks. Perfect for on the court or off the court, the XVI was like two shoes in one.

The Air Jordan XVI 's were designed by Nike's Senior Footwear Designer Wilson Smith. This meaning it was the first design since the III's that Tinker Hatfield wasn't behind. Hatfield was said to have moved up and he left Smith with the hard task in creating a revolutionary new design.

Smith decided to bring in a few design elements/fabrics from earlier releases for the Air Jordans XVI. For instance we saw the return of the clear rubber sole (V, VI, XI) and they also featured patent leather (XI).

But what made the Air Jordan XVI 's unique was the brand new gaiter/shroud that covered the shoe and that could be removed to give the shoe a brand new look. Not only was this for stylish purposes, it also had a thermal functionality.

AIR JORDAN XVII - Released February 2002

According to jumpman23.com, the Air Jordan XVII design was inspired by; "the fine details from an Aston Martin, the smooth lines and flow of a jazz solo and the long Air Jordan history of innovations in style."

Like the Jordan XVIs, the Jordan XVII came equipped with a removable midfoot cover, giving the wearer two looks for this model. This Jordan model came in an embossed metal carrying case with a cd rom. One of the most expensive models from the Jordan Brand of shoes, their original retail price was $200. While this may seem overpriced, the shoe seems to have been fairly popular.

"I am returning as a player to the game I love". Seeing an opportunity to teach the younger players, Michael returns to the game with a new team but that same drive. Leading Washington in points per game, scoring his 30,000th career point, notching up 51 points in a single game, Michael reminds the world he can still dunk.

The Air Jordan XVII design was said to be inspired by three things; "the fine details from an Aston Martin, the smooth lines and flow of a jazz solo and the long Air Jordan history of innovations in style".

Well, if the Air Jordan XVI's were equipped with a gaiter/shroud that was removable and that would cover almost more than half of the shoe, the Air Jordan XVII 's were no worse. With a removable midfoot cover you were once again given the power to choose whether or not the laces should be visible!

AIR JORDAN XVIII - Released February 2003

The Jordan XVIII is the brainchild of new Senior Jordan Footwear Designer, Tate Kuebis. The inspiration for this model is said to be a number of things, but primarily a design based on the sleek lines of the racing world and the quality of Italian dress shoes. Mostly, the Air Jordan XVIII is known for its unique accessories, a pull-out opening box and a brush and towel for cleaning the shoes.

Drive the 2003 Air Jordan. A one-piece suede upper, double stack Zoom Air, and the Carbon Comfort control plate all combine to create the ultimate performance shoe built to withstand the demands of the court.

Creator of the design of the Air Jordan XVIII was Tate Kuerbis (Jordan Senior Footwear Designer). A person that had been part of the Air Jordan footwear design team since 1999 and with Nike since 1995. The inspiration of the design is a combination for a number of things; Sleek racing lines of the auto world, Carbon fiber-based monocoque of F1 race cars, Race car driving shoes (rubber heel wrap) and Fine Italian dress shoes (bold stitching on the soles).



AIR JORDAN XVIII.5

While both the Jordan XVI and the Jordan XVII were later released with modified models called the "+" model, the Jordan XVIII design was so radically altered that Nike released a whole new shoe. The basic design was similar, but the Jordan 18.5 lacked a lace cover and came with a plastic pant-leg stopper and a more prominent Jumpman logo.

AIR JORDAN XIX - Released Unknown

The futuristic Air Jordan XIX continues in the grand Jordan tradition of taking basketball technology to where no other shoe has been before. This latest model sets a higher standard in meeting performance needs with new materials and innovations. Modeled after a black mamba snake, the strong, durable and completely functional Tech Flex midfoot shroud comfortably forms over the foot without adding weight and remaining completely breathable. Look for superstars Jason Kidd, Gary Payton and Carmelo Anthony in the Air Jordan XIX during the rest of the 2004 NBA season.

AIR JORDAN XX - Released 2005

This is a shoe designed and dedicated to Jordans greatness and the shoes bring it all back to the court.