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Jordan XVI

After 13 models of Air Jordans, Tinker Hafield took a break from being the lead designer in the line. Until pictures of the shoe had leaked, many were not crazy about the fact that Tinker did not have a larger role in the XVI’s design. Tinker had become a beloved figure of the brand, and with his success with the Air Jordan line, it was hard to imagine him not being a part of a Game shoe. Wilson Smith III, Nike’s Senior Footwear Designer, had obviously paid close attention to Tinker’s work, though. Smith certainly stepped up and exceeded expectations on many levels with this model.

Smith brought back some classic design aspects in this shoe that many people were happy to see. The return of the clear sole, as seen on the V, VI and XI, was highly anticipated. The patent leather, which had become very popular, returned on the toe of the XVI, after first appearing on the Air Jordan XI. The XVI was also the first Jordan to have visible Air since the VI. Taking it back to the roots of the Jordan line certainly sparked interest in this shoe.

The XVI also marked the introduction of the lace cover that would appear on many later models. The gaiter, or shroud (whichever you prefer to call it) was a removable component of the XVI. This cover was intended to keep everything in line and form-fitting to the shoe. The shroud is to signify Jordan’s transition from the court to the boardroom. With the shroud on, it would appear as a business shoe or for casual wear, whereas without the shroud, the XVI would be a solid basketball shoe. The Air Jordan crowd was very into this aspect of the shoe. Another interesting feature was located on the outside of the midsole, where “Jordan” is spelled out in a series of 16 dashes.

Unlike the XV, Jordan did wear the XVI when he returned with the Wizards—specifically the Ginger colorway. With the success Jordan Brand had with other players wearing the signature model, this trend continued. Younger players were introduced and began to wear the XVI, such as Mike Bibby, then a member of the Vancouver Grizzlies. Darius Miles and Quentin Richardson were often seen wearing Jordan XVIs that season as well. It wasn’t only new faces though, as players from previous years, such as Ray Allen, Reggie Miller and former Jordan teammate Ron Harper, were also seen sporting the XVI.

Along with the released colorways, the public has seen many unreleased samples. For some collectors, these offer quite a hunt. But, the fire for the Air Jordan line was rekindled with the XVI, especially with the Black/Varsity Red colorway. The combining of previous design elements with a classic Bulls colorway brought many naysayers back to Jordan Brand.