New $250 Air Jordans Met With Mixed Reaction (PICS)
The Jordan Brand revealed the latest in the Air Jordan line of shoes on Tuesday to mixed reviews. Named the XX8, the bright green sneaker features a high top design along with a black, non-removable shroud. The shoe will be officially released to stores on February 16, 2013 and will have a $250 price tag.
In a presentation for sneaker lovers and members of the media, which included filmmaker Spike Lee and NBA stars Russell Westbrook and Carmello Anthony, shoe designer Tinker Hatfield explained the inspiration for the sneaker, stating, “The Air Jordan XX8 shoe really is basketball’s answer to the concept car.” He went on to say that the shoe pushes the boundaries of performance, technology and design.
“With the ongoing evolution of the game shoe, I encourage our entire function to push the boundary when it comes to design, technology and performance,” Hatfield said. “The Air Jordan XX8 shoe really is basketball’s answer to the concept car.”
Westbrook will debut the Air Jordan XX8 on the court during Tuesday’s game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Brooklyn Nets.
“Now I really understand why Jordan signed Westbrook. That AJ XX8 is all his style,” Nate Jones posted on Twitter.
The XX8 includes the Jordan Flight Plate for better responsiveness during play. There are also straps inside the shoe, called Dynamic Fit Techology, that offer additional support for the foot structure.
So far fan reaction to the new shoe is mixed.
Fan reaction to the shoe’s unveiling — with an unusually high cut a shroud that is not removable — was mixed. The outer shroud can be zipped down for casual use.
“Unzipped with shorts looked good on mannequins. Zipped, not so much,” tweeted The Score’s Trey Kerby.
“Here’s the thing: The Air Jordan XX8 might play great on court. If they do, I’ll wear them things ON COURT,” Jones added on Twitter.
