Air Jordan 15

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 Jordan XV released they sold for $150.00, and a total of four color ways were released. Also three pairs of low Jordan XV released ($140.00) and four pairs of moccasins were released ($90.00).

The Air Jordan 15 (XV) was released in 1999/2000. This was it. The first shoe after Michael’s retirement. It could’t have been easy for Nike/JB to decide to release a shoe when the athlete that was 100% connected to this product had just retired. But the decision turned out to be good.

Prada rip-off or original flying design
The design of the Air Jordan 15 (XV)s originated from the air craft X-15 which was developed by NASA during the 1950’s and was, to say the least, a bit radical.

The tounge of the shoe was sticking out in a style that very much made your thoughts go directly to Michael himself and his tounge sticking out. The sides of the shoe were in a woven pattern.

Many people said this was a rip-off of a Prada shoe when it comes to the red stripe at the back of the shoe. Maybe the Prada shoes were inspiration sources for Hatfield as well, but that’s very uncertain.