While the newest AJF20 colorways recently released might’ve been shadowed by the highly anticipated Air Jordan XX3 Legacy series, the fourth series of fusions still has more to come. Here’s the first look at the dark cinder/varsity red colorway.

Releasing on December 13th alongside a black/metallic gold and black/stealth/red mid-cut colorway, this low top is part of the Jordan Lifestyle series. The brown-based upper is made of a nice combination of both nubuck and premium leather. Red stitching on the midsole is finished off with a gum sole. Traditional laser print found on the Air Jordan XX is on the side panels of the shoe while the laces are similar to the ones found on most Supreme Air Force 1 low releases.

Retail on these will be $140 and again will be released on December 13th. Look for these to be limited but found everywhere previous Jordan Lifestyle “LS” releases were found. But if you don’t want to wait, you can purchase them now at BNYConline for a great price. For more info on this release click the pictures below, and as always stay tuned here and in our forums for the most up-to-date Jordan Brand info.

Images: BNYC

Keys: Nike, Jordan, AJF20 Low LS, Jordan Fusion, AJF20 shoes, Jordan Retro, Nike Air Force 1, Nike Uptowns

Yes 20+5=25 and not 23. The Air Jordan XX and Air Jordan V will not be packaged together, but that does not mean we cannot see them at the same time. As the Air Jordan 5/18 Collezione inches closer and closer to its release, hype and speculation could not be any higher. The Air Jordan 3/20 Collezione is considered a bonus.

We all got our first glimpse of the Air Jordan III that will accompany the Air Jordan XX in their respective Countdown Package just a few weeks ago. Well now we can lay the speculation on the XX to rest. A new colorway this time around, the Air Jordan Retro 20 will feature a nice all black nubuck colorway. Very much like the regional releases, laser print is found all over the shoe rather than being only on the midfoot strap. Many people had originally thought that we would be seeing a Frankenstein version of the beloved original Stealth XX’s, that my friends thankfully is not the case.

To be honest I actually dig the CDP XX myself. Now don’t get me wrong, i’d much rather have the Stealths, but an all black Jordan is never bad in my book. Plus who could pass on this pack with the black/cement III’s being the other half? I for one know I could not. So for the next few months you can debate all you wish as to whether you love ‘em or hate ‘em. Release on this pack is not until October. This brings me to the cream of the crop, the moment everyone’s been waiting impatiently for — the CDP Air Jordan V.

Is it the Fire Reds from 2006, or is it the White/Black/Fire Red colorway from 2000? While many well reputable people had confirmed which it was, people these days tend to read more into speculation rather than trust. Yes the official colorway description for this shoe is labeled white/fire red-black, but that does not necessarily mean it’s the Retro 5’s from ‘06. Color placement is key, and sometimes you cannot trust the description, you must see the shoe. That was the case with the “Fire Red” Retro 3s from 2007. If you remember the colorway of those had people thinking they were the white/cements for quite awhile. But enough of that, we’re discussing the Collezione 5’s!

They are indeed the V’s from 2000 although with a slight twist. The addition of the #23 stitched on the heel gives them that original Michael Jordan PE vibe. This time around though, no Nike Air. We should all be used to this by now, but we’re not. Hey, at least the 3M tongue is still there! Look at it like this, are you going to wear these? If so, who cares about what’s on the back? Why risk ruining a pair of 2000 V’s or spending more than you’d pay for the pack just to have Nike Air? I for one will gladly take these, wear them, and not care. Meanwhile my 2000 V’s can stay nice and safe, unworn. The XVIII’s with them aren’t too shabby either, coming in a black suede based, varsity red accented colorway.

With a little less than a month until release, everyone’s minds can be finally put at ease. Here is the Air Jordan 5 from the Air Jordan 5/18 CDP! They will be released on August 23rd (no better day than that) and will retail for $310. Keep your eyes peeled on the Release Dates section here for the latest on all your Air Jordan Countdown Packages as well as the Official Thread in our forums.

Bonus pic courtesy of yours truly:

Source: Sole-Locker & KATC

Keys: Jordan shoes, Countdown Pack, Jordan 5, Retro shoes, Jordan 20, Jordan Retro, Jordan Collezione

Here’s another great PE. This player exclusive was made and worn by Michael Finley. This colorway was designed to match his Dallas Mavericks team uniform in 2005. They also feature Fin 4 stitched on the side of the shoe in blue and outlined in silver which is used to represent Finley on this specific pair. I know i’m not the only one when saying this and wishing that this one released. As with all player exclusives these were made specifically for Michael Finley and were never available to the public.

keys: air jordan, jordan shoes, air jordan shoes, jordan pe, jordan player exclusive shoes, jordan

SPACE
Key Tech: Full-length Independent Podular Suspension (IPS) cushioning system, internalized impact distribution plate (heel), internalized midfoot support shank, dual-density sockliner (EVA base augmented with high-density shock pads under the forefoot and heel), full-length inner-bootie construction with Nike Sphere lining, integrated midfoot support strap, reinforced ankle leash

Use: Hoops, Indoor

Position: All

Colorway Tested: White/Varsity Red/Black

Price: $175

Pros: Provides terrific comfort and fit right out of the box; level of support around the ankle can be varied quickly and easily via the unique ankle leash (I strongly recommend wearing the leash linked to the upper via the integrated flip-up tab - otherwise it will ride up, pinch and feel generally uncomfortable); ankle support is surprisingly good with the ankle leash fastened tightly and that support comes without the overly restrictive feel that normally accompanies such a high-cut shoe; insanely good fit at the heel; IPS cushioning system provides an excellent mix of impact protection and response, with an entirely new and uniquely natural feel underfoot; excellent traction on well-maintained courts (it seemed to improve with wear); surprisingly light given its all-position suitability and overall performance profile

Cons: Combination of laces and multiple straps makes the shoe a bit of a pain to put on and take off; while excellent on clean courts, traction went south in a hurry on less well-maintained surfaces; heat and moisture management could be better; stitching on top of the flip-up tab frays badly with wear; expensive

SPACE

IRREVERENCE MULTIPLIED

IN MOST CASES, PROBABLY JUST A REHASH OF GLORY DAYS gone by. But when the two people in question are Tinker Hatfield and Michael Jordan, what you get is a product that once again pushes beyond the existing boundaries of what the population at large thinks it can and should be. In short, you get the Air Jordan XX.

The wonderful thing about the XX is that it’s not different just for the sake of being different, but, rather, because Hatfield and Jordan are both driven to the point of being unable to stand for the status quo. They see the best of what is, and demand that it be better-not out of a kingly sense of entitlement, but because it’s precisely what they demand of themselves. Just as no one expects more of Tinker Hatfield than Tinker Hatfield, no one expects more of Michael Jordan than Michael Jordan (well, except maybe a few hundred disgruntled Taiwanese fans, but I won’t go there).

The funny thing is, on first wearing, the Air Jordan XX actually doesn’t feel all that different. With its funky, initially jarring ankle leash and large, laser-etched midfoot strap, it certainly looks different. But my initial impression on slipping into the shoe was one of simple comfort, thanks largely to its silky smooth, Nike Sphere-lined, full-length inner-bootie. I should note, however, that getting my foot into said bootie in the first place was not a particularly simple process given its small aperture and assortment of Velcro closures. But once I was in, the only thing that seemed unusual about the shoe was its extraordinary comfort. That is, until I hit the court, at which point the XX really sprang to life.

What struck me first was its cushioning, which is delivered by way of an entirely new concept the folks at Jordan call Independent Podular Suspension (I.P.S.). Made up of an assortment of squat, hockey puck-like columns, or pods, placed strategically under the critical impact areas of the foot, I.P.S. performs like no other cushioning system I’ve experienced in my over four-and-a-half years of testing athletic shoes. Impact protection is excellent, but what’s really special about I.P.S. is that it delivers an uncannily natural feel. Even with its relatively thick midsole, the XX plays less like a shoe and more like an organic extension of your foot than any previous Jordan-only the XIV comes even close. As an added plus, the level of support provided by the midsole both under and around the base of the midfoot and heel is also tops among Jordans-something bigger, heavier players will most certainly appreciate.

Almost as striking as the XX’s feel underfoot was its fit and feel around the ankle and heel. You see, that funky looking leash I mentioned just a minute ago isn’t just there for looks. Its unique, nearly free-floating design enables the XX to combine the comfort and mobility benefits of a low with the coverage and support benefits of a high (so long as the leash is worn linked to the front of the upper via the integrated flip-up tab-something I strongly recommend for anyone planning on playing in the shoe). As a result, fleet-footed guards and forwards can run-and-gun with reckless abandon, while bigger ballers can bang and power their way through the post without feeling vulnerable down low.

Another benefit of the leash is that, by linking the rear of the shoe to the front of the wearer’s ankle, it makes heel slip an absolute impossibility. As someone who likes the comfort of lows, but doesn’t like the heel slip that often dogs lower cut shoes, I absolutely loved this aspect of the Air Jordan XX.

And to those of you who insist on balling in no-show socks, you’ll be happy to hear that I was able to play in the XX while wearing no-shows with no problem (the application of Nike’s Sphere concept along the inner side of the leash definitely deserves some love here-the dimpling kept the lining of the leash from bunching up or feeling clammy against my skin, even after an hour-plus of full-court action). I preferred the feel of the shoe with socks cut above the height of the leash, but that’s just a personal preference-no-shows or not, chafing or any other sort of inner related discomfort was never an issue.

The only real performance downside to the XX that I experienced during my monthlong test was mediocre traction on poor court surfaces. On well-maintained courts the XX’s traction was excellent, but on anything short of glossy it was a persistent source of frustration. Of course, no shoe is going to provide glue-like grip on a dusty court, but some shoes do better than others, and the XX is at the low end of this spectrum.

So, the Air Jordan XX is not perfect, but after having spent the past three months testing or re-testing every single shoe in the Air Jordan line, I truly believe that it is the best J yet when viewed solely through the lens of on-court performance. If I were to take into consideration its design, which embodies the spirit of a renewed collaboration between Tinker Hatfield and Michael Jordan, I would actually rate it even higher. But sentimentality aside, there’s one factor that prevents me from giving the XX a perfect grade: price. At $175, there isn’t a gap between the XX and its next closest cost competitor in the hoops space, there’s a chasm.

That said, the decision on value is ultimately up to you. For what it’s worth, I’ll share this about my own choice: when my month testing the Air Jordan XX was over, I did everything I could to keep it, if even for just one more wearing. When the black helicopters started rolling in over the horizon I knew it was time for me and the shoe to part ways, but, come February 19th, I’ll be among the first in line to make sure I can grab a fresh pair-and this time it’ll be for keeps (hey Retrokid, make sure you hold my place in line-and don’t forget the doughnuts!).

—From Issue 7, article by Professor K

As Gary Payton joined another new team he also got a new PE. This player exclusive of the Air Jordan XX was inspired by GP’s current team’s colors - the Boston Celtics. This colorway he wore while on the road. They also feature “The Glove” stitched on the side to represent his nickname. These were only for GP and were never sold in stores.

Instead of a plus or a special edition, we got a new version of the original Air Jordan XX. It’s called the 3/4 because of the cut on the shoe which is in between a mid and a low. It featured a different design than the low, but it did retail for the same $125 price tag. It also features the icon graphic print embossed along the whole upper like the regional Air Jordan XXs did. This was a limited release as it was apart of the “LS” line. It was only available at urban accounts as well as select Foot Locker Inc. stores. Matching apparel was also made to release with these.

This was the only original colorway released for the Air Jordan XX Low. There was another colorway in Black/Cactus Green set to release as well, but due to the very poor sales of this colorway, it was cancelled and did not release. These retailed for $125 and did not come in the special Air Jordan XX box but instead came in the silver twentieth anniversary one. These, like the original Air Jordan XIX Lows, came with a keychain with different cards in it describing how the shoe was inspired. They also feature the laser print design along the toe overlay of the shoe as well as on the tongue and on the heel. The heel also featured different lasered graphics by artist MO, as on the left shoe was MJ’s face and on the right shoe the number “23.”

With the West Coast and the Midwest Air Jordan XX we also get an East Coast one to go with them. All three were released the same day in July of 2005 to their respective regions. This colorway also featured the laser print along the whole upper of the shoe instead of just being on the strap that covered the laces like the other non regional colorways. This regional colorway of the three was the least popular of them all and did not sell too well. It could eventually be found on sale and at outlets. It also marked the return of the “Chutney” colorway which we hadn’t seen on an Air Jordan signature model since the original Air Jordan XIII Low.

This is the West Coast edition of the Air Jordan XX. They were released along side the East Coast and Midwest versions as well in the regional series for the Air Jordan XX. They feature the laser print on the whole upper of the shoe rather than just on the strap over the laces. This colorway was only released on the West Coast. They too came in the special Air Jordan XX box along with the bag and the special card.

With 2005 being the twentieth anniversary of the Air Jordan, it also brings us the newest Air Jordan model: the Air Jordan XX. It featured a brand new design element to the Air Jordan line known as laser etching that can be seen along the midfoot strap that covers the shoe’s laces. Within the laser print lies many different symbols that are used to describe Michael Jordan and his journey through life and through the game of basketball, all the way to the twentieth anniversary of his Air Jordan signature line. These debuted a new special edition box just for the Air Jordan XX and came with a bag that the shoes were put in as well as a collector’s card. Each card contained a different symbol that was on the sneaker and told us the origin of it. There were a few different cards made so you never knew exactly which one you would get until you opened up the box.

Continuing on with the regional releases after the Air Jordan XIX, here is the Midwest version of the original Air Jordan XX. This colorway was only available in the Midwest region and was inspired by the Chicago Bulls team colors. They also featured the laser print on the whole upper rather than just on the strap like the previous colorways. They also came in the Air Jordan XX box as well as the special card that explained one of the symbols found in the print.

This was the limited version of the two colorways released on the same day with the other being the Black/Stealth variation. This colorway was dubbed the “Quickstrikes” or “QS.” Unlike a true quickstrike, these had an official release date, but these were limited and as people figured that anything limited was a quickstrike, the name stayed with the shoe. These were available at select stores as well as urban accounts and retailed too for $175. They also came in the special Air Jordan XX box with the bag and the card.

With 2005 being the twentieth anniversary of the Air Jordan, the hype was in full effect. This colorway, nicknamed the “Stealths” because of its colorway description, was one of two colorways released on the same day. This was the general release while the other one was the limited one, and this colorway features a patent leather upper with nubuck straps. The strap covering the laces has the signature laser print that was first seen on the original colorway of Air Jordan XX. These retailed for $175 like the colorway released before it and came in the same special Air Jordan XX box with the net bag and the collector’s card. There were a few different cards made, so you never knew which one you’d get until you opened the box. Each card represents a different symbol found in the laser print of the sneaker and explains what it means.