Air Jordan 16 (XVI)

Air Jordan 16 (XVI) - The Air Jordan XVI was released on February 17, 2001 - Jordan’s 38th birthday. This shoe was the first to not be designed by Tinker Hatfield in over a decade, yet it brought together the best pieces of shoes Tinker designed. Wilson Smith III stepped in to be head designer of the Air Jordan 16. Wilson’s plan with the XVI was to add all of the main elements from the past Air Jordan models into one. Check the patent leather on the toe box (Air Jordan XI), ribbed leather gaiter (Air Jordan XIV), 3/4 mid cut (Air Jordan III), mesh uppers (Air Jordan V) and clear rubber soles (Air Jordan V, VI, XI). The Air Jordan XVI is the first model in the line to have a gaiter or shroud. The gaiter is removable, which made them look like a brand new shoe. Also the Air Jordan XVI is a tight fit with the gaiter’s on.


The Air Jordan 16 i XVI s very lightweight it has a great quality’s like a blow-molded Air unit in the heel, Zoom Air in the forefoot, thermal properties, breathable ballistic mesh upper and patent leather. When the Air Jordan 16 first hit shelves in 2001, a total of four color ways and also two low models were released. A lot of Samples and Player Exclusive were also issued as well. The return of the patent leather gave the Air Jordan 16 a dress look, which people wore with tuxedos (same on the Air Jordan XI), but of course the Air Jordan XVI was not as popular as the Air Jordan XI. The Air Jordan XVI’s hit the shelves following the successful (though ugly) Air Jordan XV. Jordan Brand found that Jordan didn’t need to wear the shoes in the NBA to be on the hot list of every other American teenager.