What do Michael Jordan, Arnold Schwarzenegger and the Air Jordan xx8th all have in common? Stealth, apparently. Shoe designer heavyweight Tinker Hatfield called up Michael Jordan to ask him what “stealth” meant to him to inform the design of the xx8 Air Jordans. Michael Jordan reportedly responded, “You never hear it coming…”
Perhaps people will feel the same. Black and neon green, this high-top boasts the tallest height yet with an 8” collar that zips down, and is visually distinct. It is also the strongest and lightest Air Jordan to date, weighing in at 13.5 ounces.
Engineered with consideration, the xx8 has a multitude of supportive features, such as: a “dynamic fit technology” that integrates straps with shoelaces working from the midsole up to move with the foot, a full inner sandwich mesh sleeve to improve ventilation and reduce irritation, a padded Achilles notch to enhance comfort and limit slipping in the heel, zoom units in the heel and forefoot, carbon fiber shank, molded, external heel and more.
Though the xx8 received certain scrutiny for its bold and uncharacteristic aesthetic, its performance features might outweigh any stylistic concerns on the court. The sneakers will retail officially in February 2013, running about $250 a pair.
designer: tinker hatfield
producer: nike
material: neoprene and rubber
period: 2012
