Wilson Smith III stepped in to be head designer of the Jordan 16. Wilson’s plan with the XVI was to add all of the main elements from the past Air Jordan models into one. Notice the patent leather on the toe box (Air Jordan XI), ribbed leather gaiter
(Air Jordan
XIV), 3/4 mid cut (Air Jordan III), mesh uppers (Air Jordan
V) and clear rubber soles (Air Jordan V, VI, XI).
The return of the patent leather gave the Air Jordan 16 a dress look, which people wore with tuxedos (same on the
Air Jordan
XI), but of course the Air Jordan XVI was not as popular as the Air Jordan XI.
The Air Jordan XVI is the first model in the line to have a gaiter or shroud. The gaiter is removable, which made them look like a brand new shoe. A downfall about the gaiter is that when worn during a basketball game, they could fall off. Also the Air Jordan XVI is a tight fit with the gaiter’s on. The Air Jordan 16 is very lightweight, but was stiff. Don’t get me wrong though, the Air Jordan XVI had great quality’s like a blow-molded Air unit in the heel, Zoom Air in the forefoot, thermal properties, breathable ballistic mesh upper and patent leather.
When the Jordan 16 first hit shelves in 2001, retail was $160.00, and a total of four color ways were released. Also two low models released at $135.00. A lot of Samples and Player Exclusive were also issued as well.
The Air Jordan 16 (XVI) was released in 2001. Following the success of
the Air 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)).
