Air Jordan XVIII – Tate Kuerbis’ First Air Jordan

The Air Jordan XVIII (18) was designed by Jordan Brand Senior Footwear Designer, Tate Kuerbis. Tate was a member of Nike since 1995 and the Jordan Brand since 1999. There were multiple inspirations for the Air Jordan XVIII. These inspirations include race car driving shoes (rubber heel wrap), F1 race cars (carbon fiber-based monocoque) and bold stitching (Italian dress shoes). The overall inspiration for the Air Jordan came from the automobile world.

Once Piece of Leather

Michael Jordan wanted the Air Jordan XVIII to look like one piece of leather that drapes over the shoe itself. This gives the XVIII the appearance of a clean looking shoe that is floating on air.

New Technology For The Air Jordan XVIII

The Air Jordan XVIII featured air vets, carbon comfort plate, quick lace system, suede leather uppers and Zoom Air sole. Because the uppers were made out of suede, they attracted a lot of dust, dirt and were easily scuffed. Similar to the Air Jordan V the rubber sole collected dust which were quite slippery.

Modified .5 Versions

For the Air Air Jordan XVI and the Air Jordan XVII, Jordan Brand would use the + symbol to indicate modified versions of the Air Jordan. For the Air Jordan XVIII, a .5 was used. Modified Air Jordan XVIII became known as XVIII.5 or 18.5. The .5 version of the Air Jordan XVIII did not have a cover and had the Jumpman symbol on the side of the shoe. The date 1985-2003 was also added.

New Packaging

After the metal box of the Air Jordan XVII, fans were eagerly anticipating the packaging of the Air Jordan XVIII. The Air Jordan XVIII came with a sleek slide out box, a brush, a towel and an Air Jordan XVIII Driver’s Manual pamphlet.

The Final Air Jordan worn by Michael Jordan

The Air Jordan XVIII is the final Air Jordan worn by Michael Jordan in the NBA. Michael wore the XVIII on April 16, 2003 for his last game in the NBA against the Philadelphia 76ers. Three models of the original Air Jordan XVIII were released along with two low models. XVIII.5 was released later in 2003 with two color ways.

Air Jordan XVIII In The Media

Air Jordan XVIII Commercial – Carmello

Air Jordan XVIII Commercial ‘What is Love’ extended

Air Jordan XVIII Commercial ‘Goodbye Mars Blackmon’