SOLE COLLECTOR: Sneakers

SPACE

SPACE
Key Tech: Zoom Air (full-length plus a second “double stacked” Zoom Air unit under the heel), triple-density sockliner, carbon fiber midfoot support shank, Tech Flex lace cover, speed lacing system

Use: Hoops, Indoor

Position: Guard/Forward (and light Centers)

Colorway Tested: White/Flint Grey/Black

Price: $165

Pros: Remarkable comfort; very good fit once the shoe is broken in; highly responsive cushioning (but note the caveat in the “Cons” section); very good support around the ankle; good stability; feels very natural underfoot; light given its cut and multi-position performance profile; exceptionally good traction

Cons: Allows too much movement within the shoe to start (front-to-back overall and side-to-side at the heel); lacks support around the midfoot; some may find the cushioning overly soft; cumbersome to lace; those with very wide feet may find the shoe too narrow at the forefoot; Velcro closure on heel strap cuts through the fabric loop that holds the strap in place; expensive

SPACE

PACE

MOVING ON

The Air Jordan XIX was first released on March 13, 2004 and, though that might not amount to much in human years, in shoe years-which tick over at about the same pace as the biological clocks of our canine companions-that’s a goodly amount of time. Certainly enough to provide a more considered view of its performance, from beyond the reality distortion field emanated by any Air Jordan in the lead up to its release.

When viewed with a longer, less forgiving lens I have to say that the XIX holds up surprisingly well. It started right from the get-go, when I pulled the shoe out of cold storage. I hadn’t seen or played in the XIX since I reviewed it for Kicksology.net back in April of 2004 and when I re-opened its clever, compartmentalized folding box my immediate reaction was an audible “Wow.”

Of course, that seat of the pants assessment was based purely on appearances, but a couple of runs on the hardwood proved to me that the XIX’s beauty does indeed extend far beyond its viper-inspired skin.

To start with, the shoe is ridiculously comfortable. Its triple-density sockliner conjures up visions of cloud hopping, while the combo of Zoom Air (a full-length Zoom Air unit plus a second, “double stacked” Zoom bag under the heel) and a lightweight Phylon midsole ensure that your flights of fancy touch down with a soothing “Ahhh” instead of a Homer-esque “Doh!” If anything, the XIX’s overall cushioning may be too soft-particularly for heavier players. If you prefer a firm feel underfoot this definitely isn’t the shoe for you, but if you like a soft step-in feel and loads of cushioning response you’ll love the XIX.

Also contributing to the XIX’s generally dreamy feel is its silky smooth inner. With seams kept to a minimum and just the right amount of padding in just the right places, the XIX provides chafe-free comfort and better than expected support around the ankle. I can recall that, through my first few wearings, the shoe allowed some movement within the inner-both side-to-side and front-to-back. But with the padding backing the inner already broken-in for this go-around, fit was excellent.

My only complaint in the comfort and fit department involves support over and around the midfoot, which I found lacking. My guess is that the Tech Flex material covering the instep was meant to provide the added midfoot support that the XIX’s otherwise minimal upper lacks, but the material is stitched into place with so much slack that it serves as little more than an intricate piece of eye-candy. And even in this it leaves something to be desired, as the slack in the Tech Flex gives the entire lace cover a rather unsightly bulge.

There are a few other items, both good and bad, that I cover in the “Pros” and “Cons” lists, but one last attribute that I want to highlight here is traction. That’s because the XIX holds court like MJ at a pick-up game. Its beautifully designed outsole will let you cut on a dime with room left over for change and stop so fast you’ll need a seat belt. I’m not talking good or even excellent traction; I’m talking exceptional, addiction-inducing traction-and without the problematic tipping that accompanied the Air Jordan XVIII’s super glue-like grip.

The bottom line on the Air Jordan XIX is that it’s not perfect, but does provide a unique blend of performance, style and innovation that everyone from quick, agile guards to light centers will love. Comfort and cushioning (though it may be too soft for the bigger fellas of the world) are particular standouts, while traction is simply off-the-charts good. The only real performance downside is the lack of support around the midfoot, though my suspicion is that the biggest issue for most won’t be performance-related, but pocketbook-related. While the XIX actually retailed for $10 less than its predecessor, at $165 it’s still indubitably an expensive piece of kit. As such, based on price/performance alone, I can’t recommend it-especially given the number of excellent, more reasonably priced alternatives on the market today. But let’s be serious, when was the last time anyone bought an Air Jordan shoe based purely on logic and reason? J’s have always been about performance and emotion, and on those counts the Air Jordan XIX delivers like few others.

So, to reiterate my question from the intro: Does the Air Jordan XIX feel special even without the benefit of on-court shine from its namesake? My answer now is the same as it was in April of last year: Yes.

—From Issue 7, article by Professor K