Nike Air Jordan 16 (XVI)

The Air Jordan XVI was designed by Wilson Smith, and was released in 2001. The retail price was $160.00, and they featured patent leather, air bubble units, clear soles, and gaiter. This was the first Jordan Tinker Hatfield didn’t design since the Air Jordan II. The Air Jordan XVI was the first model to ever come with a gaiter or shround (leather strap that covers the shoe). The gaiter was mainly for looks, and it was not intended to wear while playing basketball.

The air bubble units and the patent leather really did a lot for the Jordan XVI. Four colorways were released in 2001 and two low tops. The black/red colorway is the most sought after, but every Jordan in the black/red colorway is usually the most wanted. It’s just something about the Bulls colorway on an Air Jordan that makes them so special.