AIR JORDAN 20

Air Jordan 20 (XX) - The Air Jordan 20 would launch in 2005, which means it was Nike and Jordan Brand’s 20th anniversary. Tinker Hatfield had not designed for Jordan Brand since the Air Jordan XV, but it was Gentry Humphries’, Footwear Business Director idea to have him design the Air Jordan 20 (XX). It took Tinker about five seconds before he responded with a yes.The specs on the Air Jordan 20 (XX) are insane, and since its Jordan Brand, you know already they were going to have the best technology. Some of the great qualities are: I.P.S.(Independent Podular Suspension) “pods”, internal shank plate, phylon mid sole,and a cool strap to make the shoe feel a little more “secured” to your foot. When the Air Jordan 20 (XX) released in 2005 a total of three colorways, plus a “Regional Pack”, that also contained three colorways and One pair of Lows and 3/4 model.



This revolutionary motorcycle-inspired model celebrated the legacy of Michael Jordan. Equipped with next generation IPS cushion, a spherical shape and a laser etched design representing immortalized symbols of Jordan on its lace strap and interior gave this shoe a unique look and performance. As well as being inspired by motorcycles this design was also in inspired bicycling shoes this is why the strap was placed in the center of the shoe over the laces it also helped to create a tighter fit and increased support. Each number on the back has a huge significance. Inspirations for the Air Jordan 20 (XX) came from custom trumpets, motorcycle tires and racing boots. David Monette, who designs custom trumpets and engraves designs better known as "lasering" was the cause of the Air Jordan 20 (XX) for having the lasering on the mid foot strap. Mark Smith, Nike’s laser expert came to design the midfoot strap. Air Jordan 20 (XX) Stealths Now if you look close on the mid foot strap on the Air Jordan 20 (XX) you will notice symbols. Each symbol represents an experience Michael Jordan has had in his life.

JORDAN 19

Air Jordan 19 (XIX) - the Air Jordan 19 (XIX) was designed by Tate Kuerbis, with Tate is Jason Mayden, Wilson Smith, Josh Heard, and Suzette Henri. The new steps taken in the design of the Air Jordan 19 (XIX) would need them all. Released in 2004 and modeled after the black mamba snake, this is the first Jordan release after his third, and final, retirement which came after the 2002-2003 NBA season. Two original colorways where released. Three regional colorways and three special edition colorways were released. They consisted of the East, West, and Midwest edition for regular and West, East, and Olympic for the S.E. (special edition). Inspiration for the Air Jordan 19 came from the deadliest snake in the world, the black mamba. When the black mamba feels threatened, it raises its body up in the air, shows its fangs, and makes a loud hissing sound. That alone intimidated many, does that sound like a familiar someone?. Never before seen on a basketball shoe was a material called tech-flex. This material is used in the automobile industry. Tech-flex is a material which can stretch, and since it is used on the Air Jordan 19 (XIX), it gave your foot the comfort you need.


The Air Jordan 16 (XVI)and 17 ( XVII), modified models came as “+”, and on the Air Jordan 18 ( XVIII ) modified models came as Air Jordan 18 (XVIII.5 ) or 18.5. Now on the Air Jordan 19( XIX) modified models came as SE (which stands for Special Edition).In 2004 when the Air Jordan19 ( XIX ) released, five colorways and three were in a “Regional Pack”,Four Low models and four SE models were also released.Some great qualities of the Air Jordan XIX is a carbon fiber shank plate, phylon midsole, full-length zoom air unit, patent leather toe box, tech-flex upper, Velcro heel strap and plastic lace-locks. The Air Jordan 19 box was unique, and when you opened the box, it kind of broke from the middle, instead of the normal open from the top or side. Each shoe is in a Air Jordan net bag. The Air Jordan 19 (XIX) is used innovative materials. The upper section of shoe was developed in collaboration with Material ConneXion Inc. from a sleeving normally used in architectural applications for protecting PVC pipes from bursting. In theory, this allowed for a lace-less shoebecause the sleeving does not stretch, however the Air Jordan 19 (XIX) model did include a set of laces behind the sleeve to better secure the shoe.

JORDAN 18

Air Jordan 18 (XVIII) - The creator of the design of Air Jordan 18 (XVII) was Tate Kuerbis. A person that had been part of the Jordan footwear design team since 1999 and with Nike since 1995 so designing shoes was nothing new to Tate. Like always with the newest Air Jordan to release, Jordan Brand wanted to bring out the latest in technology. The Air Jordan 18 (XVIII) contained air vents, carbon comfort plate, hidden quick lace system, suede leather uppers and zoom air sole.The inspiration of the design is a combination of 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. The Air Jordan 18 (XVIII) was released in 2003 and was the shoe for Jordan’s last season. Jordan played for the Washington Wizards, but his knees didn’t hold up for all of the games. Jordan returned towards the end of the season and ended his career on April 16, 2003 in a loss against the 76ers. Though many would love to see Jordan back yet again, its pretty safe to say that Jordan has retired...for good.

Since the uppers were made out of suede, they did attract a lot of dust, dirt marks and scuffs. Also the soles and mid sole were made of rubber, and just like the Air Jordan V they collect dust, which can make someone slip and fall. If you played in an indoor gym, you were OK. On the Air Jordan 16 (XVI) and 17 (XVII) Jordan Brand would use the “+” for a modified model. The Air Jordan 18 (XVIII) used a (XVII) .5 or 18.5, which ever way you wanted to write them. Pretty much nothing changed except the removal of the cover, and the jumpman was now on the side of the shoe, also the date 1985-2003 was put on. The Air Jordan 18 did not come with a fancy carrying case, or CD but they did come with a nice slide out box, towel, brush, and an “Air Jordan XVIII Driver’s Manual” pamphlet. In 2003 the Air Jordan 18 released three models, two low models. Later in 2003 the Air Jordan XVIII.5 released in two color ways.

JORDAN 17

Air Jordan 17 (XVII) - the Air Jordan 17 (XVII) designed by Wilson Smith III. Around the time sketching was started, Michael signed Michael Phillips the musician. So one key element to the Air Jordan XVII was from Jazz music. If you look on them you will notice molded in jazz notes. Also, inspirations for the shoe once again came from a car, this time being an Aston Martin. Air Jordan XVII HistoryThe soles were said to come from a golf course Michael played at. Michael Jordan was President of Basketball Operations for the Washington Wizards. When the 2001-2002 season came, Michael resigned his position as President of Basketball Operations, but signed a player contract.

The Air Jordan XVII were nicely made, and they came equipped with a removable mid-foot strap, Zoom Air sole, dynamic-fit sleeve, hidden quick lace system, lace-locks, leather uppers and carbon-fiber sheath. When you purchased the Air Jordan 17, you got a nice metal carrying case and a CD. The price tag on the Air Jordan XVII had most people in shock, $200.00!. The highest ever for a pair of Air Jordans.In 2002, when the Air Jordan XVII released four color ways, three low models and three mules.

JORDAN 16

Air Jordan 16 (XVI) - The Air Jordan XVI was released on February 17, 2001 - Jordan’s 38th birthday. This shoe was the first to not be designed by Tinker Hatfield in over a decade, yet it brought together the best pieces of shoes Tinker designed. Wilson Smith III stepped in to be head designer of the Air Jordan 16. Wilson’s plan with the XVI was to add all of the main elements from the past Air Jordan models into one. Check the patent leather on the toe box (Air Jordan XI), ribbed leather gaiter (Air Jordan XIV), 3/4 mid cut (Air Jordan III), mesh uppers (Air Jordan V) and clear rubber soles (Air Jordan V, VI, XI). The Air Jordan XVI is the first model in the line to have a gaiter or shroud. The gaiter is removable, which made them look like a brand new shoe. Also the Air Jordan XVI is a tight fit with the gaiter’s on.


The Air Jordan 16 i XVI s very lightweight it has a great quality’s like a blow-molded Air unit in the heel, Zoom Air in the forefoot, thermal properties, breathable ballistic mesh upper and patent leather. When the Air Jordan 16 first hit shelves in 2001, a total of four color ways and also two low models were released. A lot of Samples and Player Exclusive were also issued as well. The return of the patent leather gave the Air Jordan 16 a dress look, which people wore with tuxedos (same on the Air Jordan XI), but of course the Air Jordan XVI was not as popular as the Air Jordan XI. The Air Jordan XVI’s hit the shelves following the successful (though ugly) Air Jordan XV. Jordan Brand found that Jordan didn’t need to wear the shoes in the NBA to be on the hot list of every other American teenager.

JORDAN 15

Air Jordan 15 (XV) - the first Air Jordan model released after Jordan's 1999 2nd retirement from the NBA, it shared a similarity to the Air Jordan IX in that Jordan never played professionally in the shoe. There was also concern about the shoe's comfort. The tongue of the shoe stuck out to mimic Jordan's well known habit of sticking his tongue out while playing. The woven kevlar Jordan XV was modeled after the X-15. Since Michael Jordan retired once again, people started saying that the Air Jordan line should be discontinued. But of course, Tinker Hatfield, Michael and the other designers thought otherwise. It was time to look for inspirations, something different, something not previously used on another shoe. So the idea of the Air Jordan 15 would be to pay respect to Michael and his years in the NBA. The X-15 fighter plane came into mind at the moment.



This plane broke the speed records, and set its own at 4,502 miles per hour. The X-15 is the best there ever was, just like Michael. Rumor also has it that the tongue on the Air Jordan XV is inspired by Michael Jordan, since he always sticks his tongue out when he goes for a dunk, shot, or layup. The quality of them was terrible, the inner sleeve was too loose, and very uncomfortable. Some nice features of the Air Jordan XV are the hidden quick-lace system, seamless dynamic-fit sleeve, Kevlar mesh uppers, Zoom Air sole, rubber herringbone pods, injected TPR external heel counter, and a breathable leather pattern. This was to be the last Air Jordan model design Tinker Hatfield's last Air Jordan but would later came back to design the Air Jordan XX model. This Air Jordan model however is widely recognized as being somewhat of a failure in terms of performance and style. Three pairs of low Air Jordan XV and a total of four color ways were released 1999-2000.

JORDAN 14

Air Jordan 14 (XIV) - The Jordan XIV was modeled after Michael Jordan's tatee with its sleek design and logo. There are over nine colors of the Air Jordan XIV model including his Chicago Bulls uniform colorway, white, red and black.It is regarded as the best Jordan in terms of performance even when compared to current basketball shoes. As an added feature, there are seven Jumpman logos on each shoe, and 14 overall on the pair. The black/varsity red - black version is sometimes referred to as the "Last Shots" because Jordan was wearing them during Game Six of the 1998 NBA Finals when he made the game-winning shot over Utah Jazz forward Bryon Russell to clinch the championship for the Chicago Bulls. It was the only time in Jordan's professional career he wore this particular model. At the time Michael owned a Ferrari F355F1. The design of the Ferrari F355F1 looks exactly like the shield on the Air Jordan XIV, and the vents on the side of the Ferrari F355F1 were also used on the Air Jordan XIV.



In 1998-1999 five color ways released of the Air Jordan 14 and three low models. In 2005-2006 a total of ten color ways re-released of the Air Jordan XIV and two low models re-released. With all the good qualities of the Air Jordan XIV you might think nothing could go wrong with them, but sadly there are a couple minor flaws. The toe box area would come unglued over time. Also the teeth on the sides (phylon midsole) would crease very quickly.The Air Jordan 14 was the first to have silver tips on the laces, which also had a Jumpman logo. Each pair had a total of seven jumpman logo’s, which together equals out to fourteen (XIV). Original Air Jordan XIV (14)Low profile Zoom Air Units were located at the forefoot and heel. If your feet sweat while you play, then the vent on the side should help out.