Air Jordan XX

Air Jordan XX

Designer: Tinker Hatfield

Released: 2005

Michael Jordan had his grand returns; Tinker Hatfield had his when he retook the reins to design the commemorative Air Jordan XX that released in 2005. As he had previously done with the AJ XIV, Hatfield once again drew on MJ's love of automobiles and motorsports. The XX also was the last in a five-model run of Air Jordans that covered the laces. The shoe featured a ventilated sphere lining, an integrated midfoot support strap, a floating ankle leash, and an impact distribution plate. The midfoot strap offered lockdown while hiding the lacing system. Jordan introduced in the AJ XX the Independent Podular Suspension, a free-moving targeted cushioning technology. The heel bore the numbers 85 and 05, signifying the year the Air Jordan line was born and the year the XX released. The outsole of the XX included 20 herringbone pods that displayed the heritage of the Air Jordan franchise. An interesting highlight of the AJ XX was the laser-etched logo treatment on the strap, created by Mark Smith, to pay homage to Jordan's life. The XX released in three original colorways: White/Red/Black, Black/Black/Red, and White/Black/Red. Three regional colorways also were released: Chutney/White/Black, Red/White/Black, and University Blue/White/Black. A low and a 3/4 also were released in 2005. Ray Allen and Carmelo Anthony were among the pros who wore the XX in the 2004-05 season.