Air Jordan XVI
(16)
Head Designer: Wilson Smith III
Following the success of the XV's there was no
doubt that Nike/JB would continue to release Air
Jordan's. The XVI's were the next shoe to hit
the shelfs.
Hatfield moves on
The XVI's were designed by Nike's Senior Footwear
Designer Wilson Smith. This meaning it was the
first design since the III's that Tinker Hatfield
wasn't behind. Hatfield was said to have moved
up and he left Smith with the hard task in creating
a revolutionary new design.
Smith decided to bring in a few design elements/fabrics
from earlier releases. For instance we saw the
return of the clear rubber sole (V, VI, XI) and
they also featured patent leather (XI).
Gaiter on - gaiter off
But what made the XVI's unique was the brand new
gaiter/shroud that covered the shoe and that could
be removed to give the shoe a brand new look.
Not only was this for stylish purposes, it also
had a thermal functionality.
The shoe was a little stiff and to wear the shroud/gaiter
when playing basketball really wasn't a good idea,
as it pretty easily could fall off. The black/red
and white/mn navy both featured patent leather
which very easily got creased and cracked. Best
for playing in were the one's without patent leater,
for sure...
The overall design was great and it's great to
see a new designer put his foot forward. Hopefully
we'll see Wilson Smith involved in the work with
coming designs.
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