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.
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.
The design of the Air Jordan XIV, inspired by Michael Jordan’s Ferrari 550M, was a stroke of sheer genius on the part of Hatfield and fitting shoe to accompany Jordan’s second retirement from the NBA. The Jordan XIV is a sleek, performance driven shoe that Kicksology.com states, “is as close to perfection as we’ve 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.
The Jordan VI. It was the first shoe released after its namesake’s retirement, but despite missing its endorser, the Air Jordan was a decent product that sold fairly well. With a designer look, based on NASA’s 1950’s X-15 aircraft, the look of the shoe was a radical change from its predecessors.
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 didn’t 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.
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 XVI’s, 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.
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.
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.
Michael Jordan’s retirement from NBA basketball has meant a turning of the page, the ending of one chapter and the beginning of another. The Air Jordan 19 was inspired by an African snake, the Black Mamba, a fast and deadly snake found in central and southern Africa. Black Mambas are awe inspiring animals, powerful and tense, and not black but a gun-metal olive. When threatened they raise their bodies high into the air and present a wide open mouth and reveal just how they got their name. The inside of their mouth is jet black.
The Jordan XIX are extremely comfortable and designed to be the lightest and most flexible of all the Jordan shoes. The fit is exceptional and the tongue is well-padded to help improve the midfoot fit. A powerful magnetic heel strapping system, speed lacing toggle, and innovative flex material combine to create a first rate performance that is perhaps the greatest tribute to Michael Jordan’s career and exemplifies the greatness that only Jordan could achieve.
First and foremost, Tinker Hatfield, the genius and master, is back by popular demand to work on the Air Jordan XX. The most noticeable feature of the Jordan XX is the laser etched design on the lace cover depicting various past Air Jordan’s and Michael Jordan’s achievements through his careers. Also prominent is the vaguely huarache-like design. The XX is inspired by motorcycle tires and Jordan Brand Racing team called Team 23 Racing Team 23 Racing. Representatives have confirmed companies affiliated Michael Jordan will sponsor Montez Stewart in 2005’s AMA Repsol Superstock and Pro Honda Oils Supersport classes.
But when the world’s most famous athlete becomes even remotely involved in any form of sporting or business activity, it becomes fodder for much speculation. Reports slowly began to appear on the web that Jordan was putting together an AMA road racing team.
Jordan owns several sports motorcycles and met Stewart through a mutual friend in the Chicago area and decided to help the successful CCS rider. The Air Jordan XX is set to debut in early 2005, packaged in a black & red box with a flip top in the middle which is secured by Velcro. The side of box is expected to be embossed with the word “JORDAN.” This model should feature a special 20th Anniversary Edition Coaster.
Exclusive preview of the Jordan XXI/Jordan 21, due to be released in February 2006. From the Jordan Brand catalog, we have the following advance information:
Upper: The upper is expected to be a combination of luxurious Italian suedes with rich full-grain leathers. Forefoot breathability features are combined with a newly engineered durable textile for support and durability in key performance areas. Extended heel counter construction provides enhanced ankle support. New foam-backed quilted collar complements the seamless booty construction to provide maximum comfort. Breathable mesh is brought to the tongue to dissipate heat while the adjustable tongue cover flips up to expose the breathable technology or flips down for a more sophisticated look.
Midsole: Fully-double lasted phylon midsole provides a low-profile stance. Evolution of the I.P.S (Independent Podular Suspension) now includes interchangeable cushioning technology with a customizable heel zoom pillar or heel encapsulated pillar. Carbon Fiber shake plate offers mid-foot and arch support.
Outsole: I.P.S. (Independent Podular Suspension) technology is integrated with the outsole through raised herringbone pods for traction in strategic performance areas. New innovative outsole pattern offers multi-directional traction.
Profile: The future is now. The next generation of the greatest performance basketball shoe, designed for the greatest player to ever play the game. The Air Jordan XXI shoe embodies all the elements: The man, the style, the legend...Michael Jordan.
