I remember sitting in class in the 8th grade staring at the brand new pair of white/cement Air Jordan IV’s worn by one of the “cool” 9th graders. Alas, I never knew the joy of owning a pair myself. But as soon as another retro is released, I’ll be first in line to finally show off my very own pair and know how it might have felt like to be a “cool” 9th grader. Oh, I also fondly remember these shoes as the ones Michael wore when he hit the game winning shot over Craig Ehlo and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Air Jordan V
“Is it the shoes?” “No Mars.” “Money, it’s gotta be the shoes!” “Do you know, do you know, do you know?” “Shut up, I’m doin’ a Nike commercial here, shut up!” – Spike Lee aka Mars Blackmon made the best Air Jordan commercials…Bar None! Tinker Hatfield partly drew inspiration from the Mustang WWII fighter plane thus the “flames” on the side of the shoe. I also liked the reflective tongue which effectively brought out the “Jumpman” logo. The Air Jordan V is one of my “Top 5” all time favorite Air Jordans.
Air Jordan VI
“I hate these shoes.” Not because of the design, which is vintage Tinker Hatfield, or because there was a lack of the latest technology from Nike. I hate these shoes simply for the fact that these were Michael Jordan’s shoes when he won his first NBA championship against my beloved Lakers. Ironically, they will release a retro of the Air Jordan VI in, get this...a Lakers colorway. I don’t care if it was 19 years ago but that’s just rubbing salt in an open wound.
