Decoded: The Hidden Details of Air Jordans, Vol. 4

One of the key elements of signature shoes, and part of what makes them “signature” is the chance to include personal details and storytelling about the athlete into the shoe itself. Sometimes these elements are told through direct inspiration, like incorporating Michael Jordan’s Ferrari into the design language of the Air Jordan 14. But sometimes things aren’t so obvious and are only told through subtle details. Here, Sole Collector's Decoded series features five more signature details in Air Jordans that you may have missed over the years.

Air Jordan 17

1.

One of the key elements of signature shoes, and part of what makes them “signature” is the chance to include personal details and storytelling about the athlete into the shoe itself. Sometimes these elements are told through direct inspiration, like incorporating Michael Jordan’s Ferrari into the design language of the Air Jordan 14. But sometimes things aren’t so obvious and are only told through subtle details. Here, Sole Collector's Decoded series features five more signature details in Air Jordans that you may have missed over the years.

Air Jordan 17

2.

 

Year: 2002

Decoded: At first glance, the text found beneath the protective stickers on the chrome heels of the Air Jordan appears rather mundane. Upon closer inspection, it you’ll notice that the “N” in the word Jordan is actually made up of the number “17,” in reference to the sneaker’s model number.

Air Jordan 19 “Regional”

3.

 

Year: 2004

Decoded: The regional colorways of the Air Jordan 19 were unique from the general releases in more ways than their geographic-based availability. While the tag under the tongue of the standard pairs read “XIX,” these versions’ tags displayed the region in which they were released: “East,” “West” or “Midwest”

Air Jordan 4 Retro LS “Tour Yellow”

4.

 

Year: 2006

Decoded: The “Tour Yellow” Air Jordan 4 was part of Jordan Brand’s short lived “Rare Air” series, which also included the black laser 4s, and Air Jordan 1s with the Swoosh replaced by a Jumpman. This pair appeared to be a typical 4, however its tongue featured a Velcro patch which read “JORDAN RARE AIR” when removed.

Air Jordan 3 Retro “Black Cat”

5.

 

Year: 2007

Decoded: The black Air Jordan 3s which released in 2007 paid tribute to MJ’s nickname both figuratively, with its colorway, and literally. Behind the heel tab, the words “Black Cat” were embroidered into the shoes upper.

Air Jordan 2009

6.

 

Year: 2009

Decoded: One of the most interesting details on the Air Jordan 2009 is actually hidden in plain sight. The construction on the heel of the shoe features two rows of stitching, while the forefoot features three.