AJXX3 – The Number 23

Michael Jordan wore the number 23 for most of his career. So the Air Jordan XX3 (23) had to be a special shoe to celebrate the number 23. Tinker Hatfield and Michael Jordan got together once again to create the first basketball shoe from Nike to embrace the Nike Considered design, where details in the development and design of the shoe seek to reduce waste and allow for use of environmentally preferred materials without comprising the athletic performance. The Air Jordan XXIII (XX3 or 23) was first released in three different colorways between January and February 2008 with limited releases internationally. Its national release occurred on February 2008.

The most Technologically Advanced Air Jordan

According to an article in Jet magazine, the XX3/XXIII is the first basketball shoe to be made under the “Considered” ethos, meaning the shoe is made with the environment in mind. The shoe was constructed using the absolute minimum amount of adhesive to make it more environmentally sound, while the soles (which are designed from Jordan’s own fingerprint) are made from recycled rubber. It is considered the most technologically advanced Jordan model to date, and according to Gentry Humphrey, the head of the Jordan design team, it was supposed to be the last actual Air Jordan. In actuality, it is the last Air Jordan to feature a Roman Numeral. The Air Jordan 2009 has since been released.

Quality Design with No Glue

This was the first Air Jordan that was engineered to not use any glue. For the upper of the Air Jordan XX3, a newly engineered technique that uses a machine to stitch the upper in 3D form was implemented into the design. A very important aspect of the shoe is its high comfort level; a dual density sock liner offers full comfort while the recovery foam around the heel conforms to foot shapes to create a more custom fit. The reinforced quarter panels from and holds the exact shape and the breathable tongue allows air to escape, which keeps the foot cooler. The same ingenuity and effort that went into the upper can be seen in the mid-sole/outsole. A full length Zoom Air sole unit was used to provide superior cushioning.

Only One Jumpman symbol

The Air Jordan XX3 only had one Jumpman logo on the entire shoe. The Jumpan symbol is located on the tongue of the right sneaker. There is no Jumpman logo on the left sneaker. An imprint of Michael Jordan’s fingerprint was used as the pattern on the outsole and his signature can be seen on the toecap. The Jumpman symbol was also present on the shoelace caps.

Air Jordan XXIII In The Media

Air Jordan XX3 Commercial – It’s Not About The Shoes (Michael Jordan)

Air Jordan XX3 Commercial

Air Jordan XX3 Commercial – Maybe It’s My Fault

Air Jordan XX3 Commercial – Look Me In The Eye

Air Jordan XX3 Commercial – Witnessed

Air Jordan XXIII Promotional Poster