Air Jordan XX3

Air Jordan XX3

Designer: Tinker Hatfield

Released: 2008

Since Michael Jordan made 23 one of the most famous numbers in sports history, it made sense that the Air Jordan XX3 would be one of the most anticipated sneakers in footwear history. Tinker Hatfield returned to lead the design, and his take included new technology and craftsmanship to deliver a timeless addition to the Air Jordan lineage. The XX3 was the first basketball shoe to incorporate the Nike Considered construction system, which was developed to reduce waste and use environmentally friendly materials without affecting the performance of the shoe. MJ's initials are stitched on the upper of each colorway. The shoe features a hand-stitched upper, articulated chassis, full-length quilted bootie, carbon fiber shank plate, and reinforced quarter panels. It has the lowest-profile midsole of any of the Air Jordans, adding a responsive performance element. Zoom Air and tuned IPS pillars combined to lend cushioning. The tongue of each shoe features different logos: the left has a Jumpman and the right has a "23" logo. The outsole was modeled after MJ's thumbprint. This also was seen on the inside of the tongue to represent the impact and identity of the man himself, whose signature was included on the toe box. To create buzz around the XX3, 23 pairs of the Titanium model were released at the top 23 locations in the United States, retailing for $230 on Jan. 25, 2008. An All-Star colorway was released that February, and other colorways included the White/Red, Grey/White/Black/Gold, and Stealth that released shortly after. A series of three more versions were produced to commemorate MJ's three teams: Black/University Blue/White for UNC, Black/Red/White for the Bulls, and Black/Royal/White for the Wizards. After the general releases, 23 pairs of a Black/Red XX3 were released at the top 23 locations just like the Titanium launch. Chris Paul, Ray Allen, and Carmelo Anthony wore the XX3 in the NBA All-Star game. The XX3 was the last numbered Air Jordan shoe in the series for a while, as the next four Air Jordans would be named for the year each was created.