TBT: Air Jordan XX

With news surfacing on a new Flyknit version of the Air Jordan XX releasing soon we thought it was fitting to remember the OGs that dropped over ten years ago. The Jordan XX released in 2005 with Carmelo Anthony, Ray Allen and Rip Hamilton representing the shoe’s on-court. Tinker Hatfield drew inspiration from motorsports and cycling shoes when designing the XX and it resulted in one of the most uniquely constructed Jordan silhouettes. Eyes are instantly drawn to the shoe’s mid-foot strap and “window” (Jordan Brand, you should have learned that “windows” don’t look good on Jordans before making the 2010) that’s between the top of the sockliner and ankle strap.

Interesting design choice to have that big gap (window), isn’t it?

The XX screams luxury and excessiveness; each unique design element teeters on being too much but overall, it works. Tinker really outdid himself with the XX’s story telling elements since the shoes symbolize 20 years of Jordan Brand excellence.

• 69 dimples along the side spoke of the shoes represent MJ’s highest scoring game.
• The heel has 2 sets of ‘1,2,3’ symbolizing the Bull’s 3-peats.
• Lasered details on the upper celebrate Michael’s childhood, teams, statists and milestones.
• ’85’ and ’05’ for twenty years of Jordan kicks.
• The outsole features little bubbles, inside of each bubble is a design element of past Jays: toe box of the 11, the Jordan 14 symbol, Jordan 18 midsole print, etc.

Lets take a look at some pictures of OG colorways, PEs and the new Flyknit versions of the XX( We’re not including the low-top XX’s)! Did you buy a pair when they released in 2005? Maybe you bought one of the two 2015 retro’s? Tell us in the comments section below!

OG

These two OG colorways utilize patent leather uppers with laser detailing across the mid strap. A nubuck medial toebox and velvet sockliner gives these much needed contrast. Some of the details on the mid strap include: the Jordan 13 and 11, a black cat (MJ’s nickname”, “5 MVPs”, his parents car and various Jumpan logos.

OG Regional Pack

Continuing the tradition started by the XIX, the XX released a 3-shoe set representing the West, Midwest and Eastern portions of the country. Unlike the OGs above, these 3 feature laser engraving on the entire upper with a full-grain leather mid foot strap (reversed from the Stealth and white/red/blacks).

PEs

Sheesh, the XX looks great as a Player Exclusive on the court!

Flyknit

Olive green/ orange/ black, reminds you of the Undefeated colorway, huh? Are those Jordan 6 lace locks? Yes.

Wow, okay, so no more storytelling details – these look like the utilitarian XXs. The leather materials and colorblocking is very nice though.

NO MORE WINDOW!! We can get behind no more windows. The Flyknit uppers lend a nice texture to the upper and the straps look much more practical. Of course JB had to include a bootie-like system. 

Good thing the outsole remains unchanged, the imagery is too cool.