The
Nike Air Jordan Evolution Continues
Air Jordan X - XII
Air Jordan
X (1994)
Nike was caught off guard with Michael Jordans
sudden return to the court. Before
releasing the Jordan X, they re-released
several older Jordan models. The Air
Jordan X is nothing special and relatively
plain even when you stop to consider that
the white/black/light steel grey colorway
looks like it just broke out of prison or
a herd of zebras. The design is clearly
a combination of several older Jordans.
The Air Jordan VII was met with strong feelings
of love or hate. This is the first of the
Air Jordans to create division among the
ranks of loyal fans and customers.
The Air Jordan XI heralded a triple comeback;
Jordans return to the NBA, the return of
designer Tinker Hatfield, and disappointingly,
the return of the unpopular clear soles
that yellowed with age.
While the design of this model was premium,
the quality was sadly lacking and despite
the release of low-top versions, the Jordan
XI was not the most popular of all the Air
Jordan shoes.
When the Jordan XI's were retroed in 2000-2001
they became the fastest selling, most popular
Jordan retros of all.
The Jordan XII was a completely new design
for Air Jordan shoes with ribbed leather
that matched and blended with the midsoles.
This unique design was inspired by the flag
of the Japanese Army & Navy in which
the red circle is surrounded by a sunset.
The Jordan XII was the most durable Air
Jordan to date, but they did have one major
flaw. The Jordan XII attracted dirt
easily and were hard to clean.
In September 1997 Nike decided to launch
a new sub-brand of Nike called Jordan Brand.
The Jordan XII was the first Jordan shoe
of the new Jordan brand and was also the
first Air Jordan that did not have a Nike
logo or Swoosh.
>>Air
Jordan XII
