Air Jordan 15 (XV):

About Air Jordan 15 (XV)

The Air Jordan 15 was released in 1999-2000 but was never worn by Jordan himself in an NBA game. This was the first Jordan shoe after Jordan’s retirement. Many wondered whether or not Jordan Brand would continue to release shoes despite Jordan’s absence from the NBA. The shoes did not sell too well to put it politely, though, many doubt that the Air Jordan 15′s being on Jordan’s feet would have made much of a difference. The design of the Air Jordan 15 originated from the futuristic X-15 fighter jet developed by NASA during the 1950′s. The tongue of the shoe stuck out parallel to the ground. Many wondered if this was to resemble Jordan’s famous facial expression while soaring through the air. The Air Jordan 15 also had a red stripe that went up the back of the shoe and bottom of the heel. This stripe caused many to ponder if the inspiration for this feature of the Air Jordan 15 came from the signature stripe on Prada shoes. The shoes also had an “original” woven upper, but many thought this was also inspired by Italian designers.The Air Jordan 15 was indeed the last shoe that Tinker Hatfield made at the time. It could be easily argued that this model did not compare to his first work, the Air Jordan 3. The introduction of the Air Jordan 15 was not welcomed and neither were the slip-on moccasins. This was the first failed attempt that Jordan released a moc. Sadly, they didn’t learn their lesson and attempted a second time with the Air Jordan 17. The Air Jordan 15 will be making its long awaited return in 2007 as well as in 2008.

Since Michael Jordan retired once again, people started saying that the Air Jordan line should be discontinued. But of course, Tinker Hatfield, Micahel and the other designers thought otherwise. It was time to look for inspirations, something different, something not previously used on another shoe. So the idea of the Air Jordan 15 would be to pay respect to Michael and his years in the NBA. The X-15 fighter plane came into mind at the moment. This plane broke the speed records, and set its own at 4,502 miles per hour. The X-15 is the best there ever was, just like Michael. Rumor also has it that the tongue on the Air Jordan XV is inspired by Michael Jordan, since he always sticks his tongue out when he goes for a dunk, shot, or layup. Some nice features of the Air Jordan XV are the hidden quick-lace system, seamless dynamic-fit sleeve, Kevlar mesh uppers, Zoom Air sole, rubber herringbone pods, injected TPR external heel counter, and a breathable leather pattern. So the question is, how would the Air Jordan XV do with the consumers? Sadly, the high expectations for the Jordan 15 to sell well were not met. The Air Jordan XV is disliked by many (and most likely the most hated Air Jordan). The quality of them was terrible, the inner sleeve was too loose, and very uncomfortable. In 1999-2000 when the Air Jordan XV released they sold for $150.00, and a total of four color ways were released. Also three pairs of low Air Jordan XV released ($140.00) and four pairs of moccasins were released ($90.00).