Air Jordan Retro XVI(16)

The Air Jordan Retro XVI(16)was released in 2001. Following the success of theAir Jordan 15 (XV), there was no doubt that Nike/JB would continue to release Air Jordan’s. The Air Jordan 16 (XVI)s were the next shoe to hit the shelves.
Hatfield moves on
The Air Jordan 16 (XVI) were designed by Nike’s Senior Footwear Designer Wilson Smith. This meant it was the first design since the Air Jordan 3 (III) that Tinker Hatfield wasn’t behind. Hatfield was said to have moved up and he left Smith with the hard task in creating a revolutionary new design.
Smith decided to bring in a few design elements/fabrics from earlier releases. For instance we saw the return of the clear rubber sole (Air Jordan 5 (V), Air Jordan 6 (VI), Air Jordan 11 (XI)) and they also featured patent leather (Air Jordan 11 (XI)).
Gaiter on – gaiter off
But what made the Air Jordan 16 (XVI) unique was the brand new gaiter/shroud that covered the shoe and that could be removed to give the shoe a brand new look. Not only was this for stylish purposes, it also had a thermal functionality.
The shoe was a little stiff and to wear the shroud/gaiter when playing basketball really wasn’t a good idea, as it pretty easily could fall off. The black/red and white/mn navy both featured patent leather which very easily got creased and cracked. Best for playing in were the one’s without patent leather, for sure…
The overall design was great and it’s great to see a new designer put his foot forward. Hopefully we’ll see Wilson Smith involved in the work with coming designs.