SOLE COLLECTOR: Sneakers

Jordan XX

He’s back. No, not MJ, but Tinker Hatfield, who returned to design the Air Jordan XX. Tinker proved he was still as innovative as ever. With the XX, Tinker showed he could implement new designs and technologies, while at the same time,with the help of Mark Smith, adding new elements of artwork to adorn the shoe.

Tinker’s inspiration for the XX came from things such as cycling shoes, motorcycles and motorcycle tires. This is because motorcycles are significant to MJ due to his involvement in his own race team.

The XX, which celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Air Jordan line, implemented new technology, such as a new form of cushioning known as Independent Podular Suspension (IPS). IPS was designed to support the key areas of the foot—simply, the areas of the foot that would take on the most stress during play. An ankle strap was used, which had a lot of people on the fence in regards to the aesthetics of the XX. The XX marked the last Jordan to employ a lace cover, which was where the artwork was displayed. On the strap, you will find a laser etching of Jordan shoes, as well as symbols representing every aspect of MJ’s life and accomplishments. This pattern was then used in the marketing campaign, on clothing and on other Jordan Brand products. On the heel you will find the numbers “85” and “05,” which is a reference to the 20 years Jordan Brand had then been around.

When the XX came out, Jordan was enjoying retirement, so members of Jordan Brand wore it instead. Regulars such as Ray Allen, Carmelo Anthony and Mike Bibby all wore the XX in their respective team colors. One player that is also notable for wearing the XX, although not a member of Jordan Brand, would be Maurice Evans, who was then with the Sacramento Kings. His time wearing the XXs is so remembered due to him putting his personal twist on the shoe. Evans wore them on court with the ankle strap cut off.

As for the colorways, Jordan Brand went back to their roots and played it simple. The first was the White/Varsity Red/Black traditional, home Bulls colorway. Next came the away colorway—Black/Stealth/Varsity Red. Also, a QS (quickstrike) White/Black/Varsity Red colorway was released in more limited quantities. After the success the XIX had with the regional release, Jordan Brand decided to do the same with the XX. Jordan Brand released three regional colorways: Chutney/White/Black for the East Coast, University Blue/White/Black for the West Coast and Varsity Red/White/Black for the Midwest.

After the Jordan Line had been around for 20 years, the release of the XX proved they were still on the cutting edge when it came to basketball shoes. Bringing Tinker back on to do this shoe was almost a guaranteed home run amongst those who followed the line. On top of that, Spike Lee returned to the TV commercials for the Air Jordan XX. While some did not like that strap, this still goes down as one of the most comfortable Jordans to date. It’s popularity seems to be always on the rise as well, as reflected in recent market prices.