After 11 consecutive solo designs of Michael’s Air Jordan line, Tinker Hatfield joined with Mark Smith on the AJ XIV. Together, they drew from MJ’s general love of high-end sports cars for the looks and lines that comprise this legend. The Jordan brand began re-releasing the shoe as the Jordan Retro 14 in 2005.
A high-end history
The original would be the last Air Jordan that the man himself would ever wear for Chicago. And he left fans with memories.
It was during the 1998 finals that Hatfield shared a prototype with MJ, asking him to hold off on wearing them.
He should’ve known better.
MJ wore the shoe in that series against Utah, and they were on his feet when he hit the “Last Shot” that clinched his sixth and final title. It capped a season in which Jordan won his 10th scoring title and again earned MVP honors for the regular season, all-star game, and finals.
Reverse and drive
The Retro 14 revisited Hatfield/Smith’s original vision, incorporating the swooping silhouette of a sports car, and punctuated by the Ferrari-inspired shield under the ankle collar that instead of a horse featured the Jumpman logo.
It features 14 Jumpman logos per pair – seven per shoe. One near the toe box, the shield logo, above the “23” on the heel, at the bottom of the outsole, on the insoles, and two on the steel lace tips.
Like the car it was modeled after, the Retro 14 was designed to be comfortable while accommodating the utmost in power and control. Its low-cut collar lets your ankle move, and dual Zoom Air units cushion every impact with low-profile responsiveness. And mesh vents on the outsole were put in place to help your foot breathe.
Finish strong like Michael with a Retro 14 T-shirt, shorts, or even slides, to complete that throwback look.
