The Unsung Air Jordan Retros: Air Jordan XV

by Mike R

Air-Jordan-XV-OG-Bred-Release-2000The Air Jordan XV (Released:1999 Price:$150) 

Nike released the shoe after Jordan announced his retirement on Jan. 13, 1999 prior to the beginning of the lockout-shortened season. Tinker Hatfield was faced with the challenge of designing a shoe that MJ would never wear on the court. The design of the XV's originated from the aircraft prototype X-15, which was developed by NASA during the 1960s. The sleek upper V-shaped cutting designs were to showcase Mj's playing style on the court. The Air Jordan XV also featured a full Zoom Air for low-profile cushioning for ideal court play. The heel counter featured numbers significant to MJ's career: 23.6.15., 23 represented his jersey number, the number of titles he won, which was 6, and the shoe model, Air Jordan XV. The clean extension from the heel counter to the outsole also read 2.17, Jordan's birthday. Reggie Miller was the first NBA superstar to wear them during the 2000 NBA Finals, an homage to MJ. The original model was released in four colorways in 1999-2000, Flint Grey/White, Black/Red, Obsidian/White and White/Carolina Blue. The shoe was retro-ed in 2007, 2008, and 2016–2017.

Air-Jordan-OG-XV-Flint-Grey-Release-2000Air Jordan XV "Flint Grey" (Release 2000)

Air-Jordan-OG-XV-Obsidian-Release-2000Air Jordan XV Obsidian (Release 2000)

Air Jordan XV OG White Carolina Blue 2000 ReleaseAir Jordan XV "Carolina" (Release 2000)

Air-Jordan-Retro-XV-Stealth-Release-2007Air Jordan XV "Stealth" (Released Nov. 15, 2007)

One of the most iconic retro colorway of the release is the Air Jordan XV "Stealth." This model was done up in the original black “Stealth” colorway, which is very fitting for a sneaker designed after a sleek fighter jet. The weave hides the speed lacing system and the entire leather uppers are black, while the midsole is a dark grey.

Air-Jordan-CDP-Pack-Jordan-VIII-x-Jordan-XV-Release-2008Air Jordan CDP VIII and Air Jordan CDP XV (Released 2008)

In 2008 Jordan Brand was ready to launch its long-awaited Air Jordan XX3 model, the model that represented the G.O.A.T.'s world known jersey number. Jordan Brand gave fans an opportunity to relive the entire history of the Air Jordan line by re-releasing each previous model, however with a incredible twist. The shoes were paired off into groups of two models that added up to '23.' For example, with the first of the pack's release in January, the Air Jordan 10 and 13 models were boxed up in two original colorways that hadn't yet been retroed. The CDP release of the Air Jordan VIII & XV was Countdown Pack #10.

Air-Jordan-15-OG-Obsidian-Blue-2017-ReleaseAir Jordan XV "Navy Midnight" (Released Jan. 7, 2017)

Bringing it back to life with this never before released colorway, the Air Jordan XV was given another go in the sneaker community and the reception of it has been the same it has always received, "Eh." A clean summertime model and design makes it hard to save this release many feel is very "bulky" and "weird." With the continual movement on trends do you think this bulky basketball mid-design will ever fit in?

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