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Can't wait for the raid retro next year
-The Official Sneaker Wiki Thread- (Post interesting facts/backstories/design inspiration)
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- 73,583
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- Dec 13, 2004
The first pair of "Birthday Lebrons" were the 2. They looked like this:
View media item 718080
Some NTer manipulated an NDC URL so that these could be purchased before the release date. There were only 500 pairs made and they were only released on NDC. Sizes 8-13 were completely sold out before the release date due to people who changed the URL and ordered them early. Nike didn't cancel any of the orders. I had like five pairs myselfPeople who didn't know about changing the URL were HEATED.
They are just all black with premium leather and lasering so they didn't resell for too much, but, I believe aside from PE's these are one of the rarest pairs of Lebrons solely because of the already low production numbers and fact that they literally weren't available to the public on release date.
That's how I got my pair.
I still have it stashed somewhere and probably my favorite Lebrons ever.
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AJ I-XX8
Air Jordan I
First released: 1985
Original retail: $65
Designed by: Peter Moore
This shoe single-handedly redefined basketball sneakers, and it almost never happened. Initially, Michael Jordan was hesitant to get endorsed by Nike because he wanted a deal with Adidas, and also he was leery on the black and red sketches shown to him by designer Peter Moore—which he referred to as "the devil's colors." Eventually he relented, and when Jordan hit the court in the Black/Red colorway, he got fined a hefty $5,000 per game for violating the NBA's rule against flashy sneakers. Nike gladly footed the bill, earning that classic colorway the "Banned" nickname. It found a second life as a skate shoe, where pioneers like Lance Mountain adopted the Black/Royal Blue colorway, since the shoes provided more padding and comfort than other kicks at the time. The simple silhouette combined with the Air Jordan "wings" logo is as iconic and versatile as the Chuck Taylor All-Star.
Air Jordan II
First released: 1986
Original retail: $105
Designed by: Bruce Kilgore and Peter Moore
For Jordan's second signature sneaker, designer Bruce Kilgore stepped in—the man behind the classic Air Force 1. This shoe is notable for eschewing the Nike Swoosh in favor of the AIr Jordan "wings" logo on the tongue. It also implemented a luxe faux lizard skin detail on the upper, and the shoes were made in Italy, a feat unheard of for sneakers. That made them considerably much more expensive than their predecessor. Technology-wise, the II offered much more than the I. Jordan had broken his foot, so there was a full-length Air unit to provide comfort while the high-top cut and a molded heel counter gave extra ankle support.
Air Jordan III
First released: 1988
Original retail: $100
Designed by: Tinker Hatfield
Bruce Kilgore and Peter Moore left Nike, and Jordan's own deal was up in 1988. The two behind his previous kicks tried to get him to leave too, but ultimately Jordan stayed—partly because his father convinced him Nike was looking out for the star player, and partly because of a young designer named Tinker Hatfield. The Air Jordan III is arguably the sneaker that turned Jordans into a full-fledged fashion item. Incorporating a tumbled leather upper with the now-classic elephant print hits on the shoe, it also introduced the Jumpman logo on the tongue (originally the back of the shoes had the "Nike Air" branding). It was also revoluionary because it was the first basketball mid-top sneaker. The midsole was made from scuplted polyurethane, while the visible Air unit in the heel was gleaned from another of Hatfield's controversial sneakers—the Nike Air Max. The Air Jordan III's place in pop culture was cemented by utilizing director Spike Lee as the smart-mouthed Mars Blackmon character from his 1986 film She's Gotta Have It, in which Blackmon always rocked a fresh pair of Js. When people say: "It's gotta be the shoes," these are the shoes.
Air Jordan IV
First released: 1989
Original retail: $110
Designed by: Tinker Hatfield
With Jordan firmly on Nike's squad, Hatfield designed the IV with function rather than form in mind. As such, many people thought the shoe was ugly when it first came out. Building on the visible Air unit in the heel, this shoe traded the tumbled leather of the III for a smooth nubuck, introducing the luxe material into the sneaker world. The contrasting mesh panels provided breathability, and were made using an over-molding process to make them more durable. Nike and Spike Lee's relationship flourished, and in addition to more ads featuring his Mars Blackmon character, the Jordan IV was part of a memorable scene in Lee's 1989 film, Do The Right Thing.
Air Jordan V
First released: 1990
Original retail: $125
Designed by: Tinker Hatfield
Hatfield didn't just raise the bar with the Jordan V, he raised the entire silhouette of the shoe. Combined with an asymmetrical collar, the sculpted midsole now featured scalloping inspired by WWII P-51 Mustang fighter planes. Using the over-molded mesh of the IV and the visible Air units of its predecessors, the V added a lace lock to the front and utilized 3M material on the tongue for some of its most popular colorways. The reasoning behind this was so the shoes took center stage when Jordan got photographed playing in them, reflecting the light off camera flashbulbs. The V also introduced a clear rubber sole to the Jordan line, a detail Hatfield carried over from the Air Mags he designed for Back to the Future II.
Air Jordan VI
First released: 1991
Original retail: $125
Designed by: Tinker Hatfield
When Jordan secured his first championship ring, this was the shoe that got him there. This go-round, Hatfield added details like two holes in the tongue and a back "spoiler" pull tab—purportedly inspired by Jordan's Porsche—that allowed him to get the shoe on easier. The heel tab was lower too, so that the shoe didn't hit his Achilles tendon. The VIs also had a clean toe box at Jordan's behest, and an inner booty sleeve that would come back in later versions.
Air Jordan VII
First released: 1992
Original retail: $125
Designed by: Tinker Hatfield
For this shoe Hatfield went back to the drawing board, ditching the visible Air unit in favor of building on the clean toe box of the VI, but also elaborating on the concept of the Nike Huarache, which also debuted in '91. The pops of color and jagged edges on the VII were inspired by West African tribal music, while the shoe started capitilizing on the strength of Jordan's brand by downplaying the Nike logo in favor of a knit Jumpman on the upper. Ads for the shoe also replaced Spike Lee's Mars Blackmon character with Bugs Bunny, earning the shoes the "Hare Jordan" nickname. The summer of '92 also saw the first "Dream Team" head to the Olympics in Barcelona, where Jordan dominated the court in a special pair of VIIs.
Air Jordan VIII
First released: 1993
Original retail: $125
Designed by: Tinker Hatfield
In sharp contrast to the pared-down Jordan VII, the Jordan VIII was a bold design that turned a lot of heads upon its release. After much cajoling, Hatfield convinced Nike that the Jordan name was strong enough to carry its own brand, which is why you don't see any Nike logos on this shoe. A bold pop of color on the sole paired with a polycarbonate torsion plate to make these kicks technologically and visually interesting, while side straps and a padded high-top silhouette provided support. Ads featuring Looney Tunes characters continued for these shoes, while Jordan won his third championship in a row in them.
Air Jordan IX
First released: 1994
Original retail: $125
Designed by: Tinker Hatfield and Mark Smith
Although Jordan surprisingly retired from basketball in '94, the design process for the IX had long been underway, with much of the inspiration coming from the Asian leg of a promotional tour. '92 introduced Jordan's prowess to the world during the Olympics, and now the player was a worldwide superstar. This shoe paid homage to that, gleaning details like a Japanese-inspired "rising sun" on the back. Though he never wore them on the court, the IXs were loaded with tech: an inner bootie, polyurethane midsole, and an Air unit at the heel. They're also forever immortalized on the feet of the Jordan statue outside United Center.
Air Jordan X
First released: 1995
Original retail: $125
Designed by: Tinker Hatfield
Designed during Jordan's retirement, Hatfield paid respects to his on-court accomplishments on the sole of the X, while a padded collar, heel tab, and new elastic band lacing system made the shoes easy to pull on. Originally designed with a stitched toe box, Jordan vetoed it (his name was still on the shoes, after all) in favor of a clean toe box. When Jordan returned to basketball in March 18, 1995, it was in a pair of these.
Air Jordan XI
First released: 1995
Original retail: $125
Designed by: Tinker Hatfield
Quite possibly the most iconic Jordan of all time, the XI is a perfect storm of defining moments, design, and technological innovation. That's why every time it comes out, eager sneaker nerds go bonkers. Inspired by (of all things) convertibles and lawn mowers, the XI introduced the formal patent leather to the sneaker world, pairing it with an icy sole and ballistic mesh upper. A padded collar and tongue sat on top of a full-length Air unit and a carbon fiber shank plate to help Jordan with his ups. The shoes also made an appearance in a little film called Space Jam. Given the spectator shoe-like colorway of the black and white versions—and that patent leather detail—it's not surprising that Boyz II Men famously wore them to the 1996 Grammys. Sneakerheads have been rocking them with tuxes ever since.
Air Jordan XII
First released: 1996
Original retail: $135
Designed by: Tinker Hatfield
The Jordan XII built on the XI's carbon shank plate and introduced Zoom Air cushioning and a herringbone sole for added traction—one of its predecessor's weaknesses. Its main inspirations were Nisshoki, the Japanese flag (the lines on the upper are meant to channel sun rays), and a women's fashion boot, as demonstrated by the speed hooks on the upper, the elongated silhouette, and the faux reptile leather on the sides. Jordan won these during the pivotal "Flu Game" of the '97 playoffs, and that exact pair recently sold for over $100,000. More recently, fashion label Public School reinterpreted the silhouette for its latest menswear collection.
Air Jordan XIII
First released: 1997
Original retail: $150
Designed by: Tinker Hatfield
Hatfield designed the XIIIs inspired by Jordan's cat-and-mouse style of play—one that had him observing his opponents before striking swiftly and precisely, like a panther. The shoe was made to cater to those types of movements, and the sole even resembles a cat's paw while the hologram on the upper looks like a cat's eye. Unbeknownst to Hatfield, Jordan had acquired the nickname "Black Cat" amongst friends. The XIII built on the Zoom Air unit of the XII and added a Phylon midsole, assymetrical collar, and a carbon fiber midfoot spring plate, which is why it's heralded as one of the most comfortable Jordans on-foot. They also made a memorable cameo in Spike Lee's He Got Game, starring NBA player Ray Allen and Denzel Washington.
Air Jordan XIV
First released: 1998
Original retail: $150
Designed by: Tinker Hatfield
Jordan would end his career on a high note, and the Jordan XIV is the shoe that would take him there. Based on the sportiness and sleek lines of the star's Ferrari 550 Maranello, Hatfield designed the shoe to essentially be a wearable supercar. From the Ferrari-like Jumpan badge, silver aglets, mesh vents, tire-like traction, and luxurious grooved leather, these kicks are a testament to the sweet spot where form and function meld.
Air Jordan XV
First released: 1999
Original retail: $125
Designed by: Tinker Hatfield
The XV took its style cues from another 15—the record-breaking X-15 fighter jet. The avant-garde shape of the shoe featured an upper made from woven kevlar and breathable mesh and a hidden lacing system which would becoming an ongoing design hallmark of Jordan Brand. The jutted-out tongue was rumored to pay homage to Michael Jordan's famous on-court idiosyncrasy.
Air Jordan XVI
First released: 2001
Original retail: $160
Designed by: Wilson Smith
Wilson Smith stepped in to design the next iterations of the Air Jordan, drawing upon previous innovations and designs while adding some of his own influences, most noticeably marching band boots. Adding a dressy patent leather captoe, there's also a removable gaiter that hides the lacing while breathable mesh made the shoes more comfortable to wear, along with a blow-molded heel and a fully-visible Air cushioning unit.
Air Jordan XVII
First released: 2002
Original retail: $200
Designed by: Wilson Smith
The two main inspirations behind the Jordan XVII were jazz music and an Aston Martin car. Innovation-wise, the XVII introduced Tuned Air to Jordan Brand, a removable midfoot cover (an improvement over Smith's previous gaiter), and a composite spring plate. At $200, it was the most expensive Jordan ever at the time of its release, but it did come in a briefcase instead of a shoe box, a nod to MJ's tenure as an exec for the Wizards. He did lace these up on the court—albeit for Washington instead of Chicago.
Air Jordan XVIII
First released: 2003
Original retail: $175
Designed by: Tate Kuerbis
Veteran footwear designer Tate Kuerbis took the helm for the Jordan XVIII, once again returning to the pool of fast cars for inspiration, but also taking a cue from the world of high-end men's footwear. The suede versions of the XVIII came with both a suede cleaning brush and a "Driver's Manual" in the box. This shoe incorporated a carbon fiber comfort plate in the insole, with Zoom Air at the forefoot and was finished with a handstitched outsole, further lending to their artisan, old-world appeal.
Air Jordan XIX
First released: 2004
Original retail: $165
Designed by: Tate Kuerbis, Wilson Smith, Jason Mayden, Josh Heard, Suzette Henri
Had it not been for Jordan's fear of snakes, the XIX might've stolen Kobe Bryant's nickname. Inspired by the deadly snake, the Jordan Brand design team was also spurred on by the idea of creating a laceless shoe. Thus the Tech Flex material was used to create one of the lightest and most breathable Jordans to date. The patent leather toe box and shank plate of previous Jordans remained intact, while details like a velcro heel strap and plastic lace locks were added to this iteration.
Air Jordan XX
First released: 2005
Original retail: $175
Designed by: Tinker Hatfield and Mark Smith
To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Air Jordan, Tinker Hatfield made his triumphant return (the last shoe he'd designed was the XV), teaming up with Mark Smith to create a shoe that celebrated Jordan's legacy by taking it to the future. Combining a floating ankle leash, an internal shank plate, and a hidden lacing system, the XX introduced the Independent Podular Suspension system, a new cushioning technology. The outside of the shoe featured 20 herringbone pods that featured the brand's heritage, while Smith designed the laser-etched logo on the midfoot strap.
Air Jordan XXI
First released: 2006
Original retail: $175
Designed by: D'Wayne Edwards
Like the XXIV, one of Jordan's expensive automobiles inspired this silhouette. In this case, his 2005 Bentley Continental GT, from which this model gleaned the air grille on the lower foot and sleek profile. The shoe also provided a customizable aspect—the next step of Independent Podular suspension introduced on the XX meant wearers could choose between two types of Air cushioning. The ad campaign for the XXIs featured this memorable commercial with players young and old re-enacting Jordan's trademark moves.
Air Jordan XX2
First released: 2007
Original retail: $175
Designed by: D'Wayne Edwards
Edwards looked to another mean machine as the inspiration for his next shoe—the Jordan XXII's 3M gunmetal camo hits and sharp lines are based on a F-22 Raptor fighter jet. Same goes for the zigzag stitching on the upper, said to mirror the F-22's ability to disrupt enemy radar (and also Jordan's ability to cross-up even the most lethal defenders). Speaking of heavy metal, the XXII introduced a titanium shank plate into the mix, and coordinating titanium lace locks and loops.
Air Jordan XX3
First released: 2008
Original retail: $185
Designed by: Tinker Hatfield and Mark Smith
The Jordan Brand "Dream Team" of Hatfield and Smith returned for the XX3, a shoe that pretty much had to be iconic. Utilizing the Zoom Air and IPS cushioning methods of previous shoes, the outsole was actually modeled after Jordan's own thumbprint, which is also visible underneath the tongue, while his signature found itself woven into the upper and toebox. The shoe's definining features are the all-over patterned uppers that make them instantly recognizable, and the fact that these sustainably-produced kicks were the first basketball shoes produced under Nike's award-winning "Considered" sub-label.
Air Jordan 2009
First released: 2009
Orignal retail: $190
Designed by: Jason Mayden
Combo breaker! Jordan Brand broke away from the numbered releases in 2009 in order to preserve Jordan's legacy as the greatest player ever, instead naming shoes after the year they dropped. This model gleans design details from fencing shoes (like satin sides on the upper), and was built with Jordan's defensive capabilities in mind. Still constructed using sustainable methods, innovation came in the form of Articulated Propulsion Technology, which is more known for its utilization in the prosthetic limbs of paralympians like April Holmes, who's run many races in Jordan Brand track spikes. When applied to this shoe, it made athletes quicker than ever.
Air Jordan 2010
First released: 2010
Orignal retail: $170
Designed by: Tinker Hatfield and Mark Smith
25 years into the game, and it appeared that Hatfield and Smith were looking inward for inspiration. That's why polarizing nature of the Air Jordan 2010 derives in large part from the transparent TPU "peep hole" smack dab in the middle of the shoe. The 2010 was also seen as a "passing of the torch" model, as Jordan favored Chicago-born Dwyane Wade to hold down the crown as the on-court face of Jordan Brand.
Air Jordan 2011
First released: 2011
Orignal retail: $175
Designed by: Tinker Hatfield and Tom Luedecke
Going back to basics for this model, Hatfield teamed up with Tom Luedecke (who had previously designed Kobe Bryant's kicks) for the Air Jordan 2011. Harkening back to the two-tone design of the Jordan XI, this shoe once again melds the worlds of luxury footwear and peak performance athletic shoes. Using high-end materials like Italian leather, the shoes could develop a nice patina over time. It also featured a revolutionary lacing and cushioning sytem, ensuring the best possible fit and maximum comfort. It was about as close to a bespoke Jordan as it got... until the 2012 came out.
Air Jordan 2012
First released: 2012
Orignal retail: $230
Designed by: Tinker Hatfield and Tom Luedecke
Hatfield and Luedecke were like the "Dream Team II" of Jordan Brand, following up a succesful and innovative sneaker with a shoe that was anything but "more of the same." The Jordan 2012 featured perforated details akin to the broguing of a wingtip shoe, but also offered multiple customization options in the form of six interchangeable booties and midsoles called the "System of Flight."
Air Jordan XX8
First released: 2013
Orignal retail: $250
Designed by: Tinker Hatfield and Josh Heard
When Nike product developers Josh Heard and Rob Bruce showed Tinker Hatfield the "Flight Plate" technology they'd been cooking up in the brand's storied "Innovation Kitchen," Hatfield knew he wanted to put it in the latest Air Jordan. The Jordan XX8 is primarily influenced by stealth, which explains the black shroud that covers the shoe, an initial feature that had sneakerheads taken aback. It's a design detail that lets wearers choose to let the contrast tongue and laces peep out as much as they want, while the recently-released XX8 SE forgoes the shroud altogether.
First released: 1985
Original retail: $65
Designed by: Peter Moore
This shoe single-handedly redefined basketball sneakers, and it almost never happened. Initially, Michael Jordan was hesitant to get endorsed by Nike because he wanted a deal with Adidas, and also he was leery on the black and red sketches shown to him by designer Peter Moore—which he referred to as "the devil's colors." Eventually he relented, and when Jordan hit the court in the Black/Red colorway, he got fined a hefty $5,000 per game for violating the NBA's rule against flashy sneakers. Nike gladly footed the bill, earning that classic colorway the "Banned" nickname. It found a second life as a skate shoe, where pioneers like Lance Mountain adopted the Black/Royal Blue colorway, since the shoes provided more padding and comfort than other kicks at the time. The simple silhouette combined with the Air Jordan "wings" logo is as iconic and versatile as the Chuck Taylor All-Star.
Air Jordan II
First released: 1986
Original retail: $105
Designed by: Bruce Kilgore and Peter Moore
For Jordan's second signature sneaker, designer Bruce Kilgore stepped in—the man behind the classic Air Force 1. This shoe is notable for eschewing the Nike Swoosh in favor of the AIr Jordan "wings" logo on the tongue. It also implemented a luxe faux lizard skin detail on the upper, and the shoes were made in Italy, a feat unheard of for sneakers. That made them considerably much more expensive than their predecessor. Technology-wise, the II offered much more than the I. Jordan had broken his foot, so there was a full-length Air unit to provide comfort while the high-top cut and a molded heel counter gave extra ankle support.
Air Jordan III
First released: 1988
Original retail: $100
Designed by: Tinker Hatfield
Bruce Kilgore and Peter Moore left Nike, and Jordan's own deal was up in 1988. The two behind his previous kicks tried to get him to leave too, but ultimately Jordan stayed—partly because his father convinced him Nike was looking out for the star player, and partly because of a young designer named Tinker Hatfield. The Air Jordan III is arguably the sneaker that turned Jordans into a full-fledged fashion item. Incorporating a tumbled leather upper with the now-classic elephant print hits on the shoe, it also introduced the Jumpman logo on the tongue (originally the back of the shoes had the "Nike Air" branding). It was also revoluionary because it was the first basketball mid-top sneaker. The midsole was made from scuplted polyurethane, while the visible Air unit in the heel was gleaned from another of Hatfield's controversial sneakers—the Nike Air Max. The Air Jordan III's place in pop culture was cemented by utilizing director Spike Lee as the smart-mouthed Mars Blackmon character from his 1986 film She's Gotta Have It, in which Blackmon always rocked a fresh pair of Js. When people say: "It's gotta be the shoes," these are the shoes.
Air Jordan IV
First released: 1989
Original retail: $110
Designed by: Tinker Hatfield
With Jordan firmly on Nike's squad, Hatfield designed the IV with function rather than form in mind. As such, many people thought the shoe was ugly when it first came out. Building on the visible Air unit in the heel, this shoe traded the tumbled leather of the III for a smooth nubuck, introducing the luxe material into the sneaker world. The contrasting mesh panels provided breathability, and were made using an over-molding process to make them more durable. Nike and Spike Lee's relationship flourished, and in addition to more ads featuring his Mars Blackmon character, the Jordan IV was part of a memorable scene in Lee's 1989 film, Do The Right Thing.
Air Jordan V
First released: 1990
Original retail: $125
Designed by: Tinker Hatfield
Hatfield didn't just raise the bar with the Jordan V, he raised the entire silhouette of the shoe. Combined with an asymmetrical collar, the sculpted midsole now featured scalloping inspired by WWII P-51 Mustang fighter planes. Using the over-molded mesh of the IV and the visible Air units of its predecessors, the V added a lace lock to the front and utilized 3M material on the tongue for some of its most popular colorways. The reasoning behind this was so the shoes took center stage when Jordan got photographed playing in them, reflecting the light off camera flashbulbs. The V also introduced a clear rubber sole to the Jordan line, a detail Hatfield carried over from the Air Mags he designed for Back to the Future II.
Air Jordan VI
First released: 1991
Original retail: $125
Designed by: Tinker Hatfield
When Jordan secured his first championship ring, this was the shoe that got him there. This go-round, Hatfield added details like two holes in the tongue and a back "spoiler" pull tab—purportedly inspired by Jordan's Porsche—that allowed him to get the shoe on easier. The heel tab was lower too, so that the shoe didn't hit his Achilles tendon. The VIs also had a clean toe box at Jordan's behest, and an inner booty sleeve that would come back in later versions.
Air Jordan VII
First released: 1992
Original retail: $125
Designed by: Tinker Hatfield
For this shoe Hatfield went back to the drawing board, ditching the visible Air unit in favor of building on the clean toe box of the VI, but also elaborating on the concept of the Nike Huarache, which also debuted in '91. The pops of color and jagged edges on the VII were inspired by West African tribal music, while the shoe started capitilizing on the strength of Jordan's brand by downplaying the Nike logo in favor of a knit Jumpman on the upper. Ads for the shoe also replaced Spike Lee's Mars Blackmon character with Bugs Bunny, earning the shoes the "Hare Jordan" nickname. The summer of '92 also saw the first "Dream Team" head to the Olympics in Barcelona, where Jordan dominated the court in a special pair of VIIs.
Air Jordan VIII
First released: 1993
Original retail: $125
Designed by: Tinker Hatfield
In sharp contrast to the pared-down Jordan VII, the Jordan VIII was a bold design that turned a lot of heads upon its release. After much cajoling, Hatfield convinced Nike that the Jordan name was strong enough to carry its own brand, which is why you don't see any Nike logos on this shoe. A bold pop of color on the sole paired with a polycarbonate torsion plate to make these kicks technologically and visually interesting, while side straps and a padded high-top silhouette provided support. Ads featuring Looney Tunes characters continued for these shoes, while Jordan won his third championship in a row in them.
Air Jordan IX
First released: 1994
Original retail: $125
Designed by: Tinker Hatfield and Mark Smith
Although Jordan surprisingly retired from basketball in '94, the design process for the IX had long been underway, with much of the inspiration coming from the Asian leg of a promotional tour. '92 introduced Jordan's prowess to the world during the Olympics, and now the player was a worldwide superstar. This shoe paid homage to that, gleaning details like a Japanese-inspired "rising sun" on the back. Though he never wore them on the court, the IXs were loaded with tech: an inner bootie, polyurethane midsole, and an Air unit at the heel. They're also forever immortalized on the feet of the Jordan statue outside United Center.
Air Jordan X
First released: 1995
Original retail: $125
Designed by: Tinker Hatfield
Designed during Jordan's retirement, Hatfield paid respects to his on-court accomplishments on the sole of the X, while a padded collar, heel tab, and new elastic band lacing system made the shoes easy to pull on. Originally designed with a stitched toe box, Jordan vetoed it (his name was still on the shoes, after all) in favor of a clean toe box. When Jordan returned to basketball in March 18, 1995, it was in a pair of these.
Air Jordan XI
First released: 1995
Original retail: $125
Designed by: Tinker Hatfield
Quite possibly the most iconic Jordan of all time, the XI is a perfect storm of defining moments, design, and technological innovation. That's why every time it comes out, eager sneaker nerds go bonkers. Inspired by (of all things) convertibles and lawn mowers, the XI introduced the formal patent leather to the sneaker world, pairing it with an icy sole and ballistic mesh upper. A padded collar and tongue sat on top of a full-length Air unit and a carbon fiber shank plate to help Jordan with his ups. The shoes also made an appearance in a little film called Space Jam. Given the spectator shoe-like colorway of the black and white versions—and that patent leather detail—it's not surprising that Boyz II Men famously wore them to the 1996 Grammys. Sneakerheads have been rocking them with tuxes ever since.
Air Jordan XII
First released: 1996
Original retail: $135
Designed by: Tinker Hatfield
The Jordan XII built on the XI's carbon shank plate and introduced Zoom Air cushioning and a herringbone sole for added traction—one of its predecessor's weaknesses. Its main inspirations were Nisshoki, the Japanese flag (the lines on the upper are meant to channel sun rays), and a women's fashion boot, as demonstrated by the speed hooks on the upper, the elongated silhouette, and the faux reptile leather on the sides. Jordan won these during the pivotal "Flu Game" of the '97 playoffs, and that exact pair recently sold for over $100,000. More recently, fashion label Public School reinterpreted the silhouette for its latest menswear collection.
Air Jordan XIII
First released: 1997
Original retail: $150
Designed by: Tinker Hatfield
Hatfield designed the XIIIs inspired by Jordan's cat-and-mouse style of play—one that had him observing his opponents before striking swiftly and precisely, like a panther. The shoe was made to cater to those types of movements, and the sole even resembles a cat's paw while the hologram on the upper looks like a cat's eye. Unbeknownst to Hatfield, Jordan had acquired the nickname "Black Cat" amongst friends. The XIII built on the Zoom Air unit of the XII and added a Phylon midsole, assymetrical collar, and a carbon fiber midfoot spring plate, which is why it's heralded as one of the most comfortable Jordans on-foot. They also made a memorable cameo in Spike Lee's He Got Game, starring NBA player Ray Allen and Denzel Washington.
Air Jordan XIV
First released: 1998
Original retail: $150
Designed by: Tinker Hatfield
Jordan would end his career on a high note, and the Jordan XIV is the shoe that would take him there. Based on the sportiness and sleek lines of the star's Ferrari 550 Maranello, Hatfield designed the shoe to essentially be a wearable supercar. From the Ferrari-like Jumpan badge, silver aglets, mesh vents, tire-like traction, and luxurious grooved leather, these kicks are a testament to the sweet spot where form and function meld.
Air Jordan XV
First released: 1999
Original retail: $125
Designed by: Tinker Hatfield
The XV took its style cues from another 15—the record-breaking X-15 fighter jet. The avant-garde shape of the shoe featured an upper made from woven kevlar and breathable mesh and a hidden lacing system which would becoming an ongoing design hallmark of Jordan Brand. The jutted-out tongue was rumored to pay homage to Michael Jordan's famous on-court idiosyncrasy.
Air Jordan XVI
First released: 2001
Original retail: $160
Designed by: Wilson Smith
Wilson Smith stepped in to design the next iterations of the Air Jordan, drawing upon previous innovations and designs while adding some of his own influences, most noticeably marching band boots. Adding a dressy patent leather captoe, there's also a removable gaiter that hides the lacing while breathable mesh made the shoes more comfortable to wear, along with a blow-molded heel and a fully-visible Air cushioning unit.
Air Jordan XVII
First released: 2002
Original retail: $200
Designed by: Wilson Smith
The two main inspirations behind the Jordan XVII were jazz music and an Aston Martin car. Innovation-wise, the XVII introduced Tuned Air to Jordan Brand, a removable midfoot cover (an improvement over Smith's previous gaiter), and a composite spring plate. At $200, it was the most expensive Jordan ever at the time of its release, but it did come in a briefcase instead of a shoe box, a nod to MJ's tenure as an exec for the Wizards. He did lace these up on the court—albeit for Washington instead of Chicago.
Air Jordan XVIII
First released: 2003
Original retail: $175
Designed by: Tate Kuerbis
Veteran footwear designer Tate Kuerbis took the helm for the Jordan XVIII, once again returning to the pool of fast cars for inspiration, but also taking a cue from the world of high-end men's footwear. The suede versions of the XVIII came with both a suede cleaning brush and a "Driver's Manual" in the box. This shoe incorporated a carbon fiber comfort plate in the insole, with Zoom Air at the forefoot and was finished with a handstitched outsole, further lending to their artisan, old-world appeal.
Air Jordan XIX
First released: 2004
Original retail: $165
Designed by: Tate Kuerbis, Wilson Smith, Jason Mayden, Josh Heard, Suzette Henri
Had it not been for Jordan's fear of snakes, the XIX might've stolen Kobe Bryant's nickname. Inspired by the deadly snake, the Jordan Brand design team was also spurred on by the idea of creating a laceless shoe. Thus the Tech Flex material was used to create one of the lightest and most breathable Jordans to date. The patent leather toe box and shank plate of previous Jordans remained intact, while details like a velcro heel strap and plastic lace locks were added to this iteration.
Air Jordan XX
First released: 2005
Original retail: $175
Designed by: Tinker Hatfield and Mark Smith
To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Air Jordan, Tinker Hatfield made his triumphant return (the last shoe he'd designed was the XV), teaming up with Mark Smith to create a shoe that celebrated Jordan's legacy by taking it to the future. Combining a floating ankle leash, an internal shank plate, and a hidden lacing system, the XX introduced the Independent Podular Suspension system, a new cushioning technology. The outside of the shoe featured 20 herringbone pods that featured the brand's heritage, while Smith designed the laser-etched logo on the midfoot strap.
Air Jordan XXI
First released: 2006
Original retail: $175
Designed by: D'Wayne Edwards
Like the XXIV, one of Jordan's expensive automobiles inspired this silhouette. In this case, his 2005 Bentley Continental GT, from which this model gleaned the air grille on the lower foot and sleek profile. The shoe also provided a customizable aspect—the next step of Independent Podular suspension introduced on the XX meant wearers could choose between two types of Air cushioning. The ad campaign for the XXIs featured this memorable commercial with players young and old re-enacting Jordan's trademark moves.
Air Jordan XX2
First released: 2007
Original retail: $175
Designed by: D'Wayne Edwards
Edwards looked to another mean machine as the inspiration for his next shoe—the Jordan XXII's 3M gunmetal camo hits and sharp lines are based on a F-22 Raptor fighter jet. Same goes for the zigzag stitching on the upper, said to mirror the F-22's ability to disrupt enemy radar (and also Jordan's ability to cross-up even the most lethal defenders). Speaking of heavy metal, the XXII introduced a titanium shank plate into the mix, and coordinating titanium lace locks and loops.
Air Jordan XX3
First released: 2008
Original retail: $185
Designed by: Tinker Hatfield and Mark Smith
The Jordan Brand "Dream Team" of Hatfield and Smith returned for the XX3, a shoe that pretty much had to be iconic. Utilizing the Zoom Air and IPS cushioning methods of previous shoes, the outsole was actually modeled after Jordan's own thumbprint, which is also visible underneath the tongue, while his signature found itself woven into the upper and toebox. The shoe's definining features are the all-over patterned uppers that make them instantly recognizable, and the fact that these sustainably-produced kicks were the first basketball shoes produced under Nike's award-winning "Considered" sub-label.
Air Jordan 2009
First released: 2009
Orignal retail: $190
Designed by: Jason Mayden
Combo breaker! Jordan Brand broke away from the numbered releases in 2009 in order to preserve Jordan's legacy as the greatest player ever, instead naming shoes after the year they dropped. This model gleans design details from fencing shoes (like satin sides on the upper), and was built with Jordan's defensive capabilities in mind. Still constructed using sustainable methods, innovation came in the form of Articulated Propulsion Technology, which is more known for its utilization in the prosthetic limbs of paralympians like April Holmes, who's run many races in Jordan Brand track spikes. When applied to this shoe, it made athletes quicker than ever.
Air Jordan 2010
First released: 2010
Orignal retail: $170
Designed by: Tinker Hatfield and Mark Smith
25 years into the game, and it appeared that Hatfield and Smith were looking inward for inspiration. That's why polarizing nature of the Air Jordan 2010 derives in large part from the transparent TPU "peep hole" smack dab in the middle of the shoe. The 2010 was also seen as a "passing of the torch" model, as Jordan favored Chicago-born Dwyane Wade to hold down the crown as the on-court face of Jordan Brand.
Air Jordan 2011
First released: 2011
Orignal retail: $175
Designed by: Tinker Hatfield and Tom Luedecke
Going back to basics for this model, Hatfield teamed up with Tom Luedecke (who had previously designed Kobe Bryant's kicks) for the Air Jordan 2011. Harkening back to the two-tone design of the Jordan XI, this shoe once again melds the worlds of luxury footwear and peak performance athletic shoes. Using high-end materials like Italian leather, the shoes could develop a nice patina over time. It also featured a revolutionary lacing and cushioning sytem, ensuring the best possible fit and maximum comfort. It was about as close to a bespoke Jordan as it got... until the 2012 came out.
Air Jordan 2012
First released: 2012
Orignal retail: $230
Designed by: Tinker Hatfield and Tom Luedecke
Hatfield and Luedecke were like the "Dream Team II" of Jordan Brand, following up a succesful and innovative sneaker with a shoe that was anything but "more of the same." The Jordan 2012 featured perforated details akin to the broguing of a wingtip shoe, but also offered multiple customization options in the form of six interchangeable booties and midsoles called the "System of Flight."
Air Jordan XX8
First released: 2013
Orignal retail: $250
Designed by: Tinker Hatfield and Josh Heard
When Nike product developers Josh Heard and Rob Bruce showed Tinker Hatfield the "Flight Plate" technology they'd been cooking up in the brand's storied "Innovation Kitchen," Hatfield knew he wanted to put it in the latest Air Jordan. The Jordan XX8 is primarily influenced by stealth, which explains the black shroud that covers the shoe, an initial feature that had sneakerheads taken aback. It's a design detail that lets wearers choose to let the contrast tongue and laces peep out as much as they want, while the recently-released XX8 SE forgoes the shroud altogether.
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Awesome stuff RFX, gonna read as soon as I get home
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i mean i think they come up with a 'theme"
and us as "sneaker connoisseurs"
come up with the stupid nicknames
nicknames used to be just so u can tell different colors of the same model apart
now everything has to have a gimmicky nickname
So, there can be a fine line between paying tribute/using a theme as an inspiration and an intellectual property/copyright infringement violation.
Most of the nicknames for the SB shoes that refer to brands are not actual collaborations. But, the star on the Heineken was a bridge too far as Heineken was able to argue that Nike was basically using their trademark without authorization.
I assume at some point SBs will retro (we've seen Viotech pro Bs and Shanghais already), but for this reason I would guess that the Heineken Dunk will not be retro-ed, at least without significant changes. ...I've contemplated selling my multiples before, but for this reason, I haven't actually let them go.
Beans
formerly beans718
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Cool tumblr I stumbled across. Not groundbreaking info but worth a peep, especially for new members http://milly-zonet-demarco.tumblr.com
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That tumblr is awesome. About to read through all these facts
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Good thread.
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Michea Jordan popularized the longer shorts and short socks in the NBA. Which helped give birth to the baggy era in the 90s and 00s.
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Niketalk had a thread to un stuff the dunk pro b tongue when it first released.
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I thought it was the Fab 5 with the longer shorts
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Beastie boys are one of the originators of Streetwear/skate wear.
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True. Fab 5 made it baggier. But jordan rocked it it long since late 80s.
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He had to because he was trying to cover up his lucky unc shorts
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This thread is nice....learnin some new stuff
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some pics, i think i found it here on NT.. i'll just post it ....sorry if not fitting for thread, i'll delete
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The first pair of "Birthday Lebrons" were the 2. They looked like this:
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Some NTer manipulated an NDC URL so that these could be purchased before the release date. There were only 500 pairs made and they were only released on NDC. Sizes 8-13 were completely sold out before the release date due to people who changed the URL and ordered them early. Nike didn't cancel any of the orders. I had like five pairs myself
They are just all black with premium leather and lasering so they didn't resell for too much, but, I believe aside from PE's these are one of the rarest pairs of Lebrons solely because of the already low production numbers and fact that they literally weren't available to the public on release date.
man, I don't even collect sneakers anymore but I love the Lebron 2. I had the white and blue pair in the second grade.
Once my money gets right I'm gonna get back into SB.
anybody know how much the Bruce Springsteen and Heineken Sb's are selling for?
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JFM that's a great contribution. Air Max changed EVERYTHING and has been with Nike for longer than any other technology.
However, imo Zoom> Air Max
However, imo Zoom> Air Max
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The "Air" history is awesome.
D
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LeBron 2's are amazing.
I wish Nike would bring back the Talaria.
I wish Nike would bring back the Talaria.
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And this.....i got it from the NT og/sample thread but needed more explanation or i just forgot
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i wish i could bump that thread, but i believe dude said this was worn in the Space Jam movie. Could be wrong. Its been a long time but i remember being in awe and saved it. Was the pair mj wore in games just a black version of the concords? Never had blue in them? why would they even have blue? sorry if pretty noob question i could delete
http://www.kicksonfire.com/what-are...inal-og-space-jams-black-varsity-royal-white/
whered the blue come from
View media item 719237
i wish i could bump that thread, but i believe dude said this was worn in the Space Jam movie. Could be wrong. Its been a long time but i remember being in awe and saved it. Was the pair mj wore in games just a black version of the concords? Never had blue in them? why would they even have blue? sorry if pretty noob question i could delete
http://www.kicksonfire.com/what-are...inal-og-space-jams-black-varsity-royal-white/
whered the blue come from
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TuneSquad jersey had blue in it.
I mean I am more curious where the concord came from? That seems out of the blue considering the Bulls jersey coloways.
I mean I am more curious where the concord came from? That seems out of the blue considering the Bulls jersey coloways.
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prob a play off of concord purple...
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I know that, I meant where the color came from. Everything before has always been based on the Bulls colorway outside of maybe the Olympics and Hares?
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