Air Jordan

Air Jordan 14

The Air Jordan 14 was released in 1998-99, but one famous pair got on Jordan¡¯s feet just in time before his retirement (Part 2).

On January 13, 1999 Jordan announced his retirement from the NBA for the second and what was supposed to be the final time. The NBA players union started a lockout on June 30, 1998 just a few weeks after Jordan won his sixth championship. Many speculate that the strike was too much for Michael to handle as he was one who just wanted to play basketball and not politics.

Going out with Style

Jordan left the NBA in no better style imaginable. Jordan pours in 45 points as the Bulls earn their second three-peat with an 87-86 Game 6 win over the Jazz. In the last 40 seconds, with the Bulls down four, Jordan: 1) drives for a layup to cut the margin to one; 2) strips Karl Malone on an entry pass; 3) fakes Bryon Russell to his knees and then drains the game-winning jumper with 5.2 seconds left.

And let us not forget that Jordan did all of this while wearing the Air Jordan 14¡¯s. The Air Jordan 14¡¯s were designed by Tinker Hatfield and took inspiration from Jordan¡¯s Ferrari 550M.The Air Jordan 14 was the first Jordan shoe to come standard with metal tips as well as built in trivia. Each shoe (left and right) had 7 jumpmen making a total of 14. The back of the Air Jordan 14¡¯s also displayed for all to see in Roman numerals that this was indeed the 14th shoe in the Jordan lineup.The Black/Red Jordan 14¡¯s earned the nickname ¡°Last Shots¡± because of the epic and legendary event that took place while on Jordan¡¯s feet. These were the most sought after colorway as an original as well as a retro.The Retro Jordan 14 came out at the end of 2005. The shoes are to be released in a gazillion colorways just like the original Air Jordan 14¡¯s. The original Air Jordan 14s were released in 8 colorways which would have set you back a total of $1,155 (5 mids $150 + 3 lows $135). The retro Jordan 14¡¯s are to be released in at least 10 pairs at $150 a piece putting a $1,500 dent on your credit card if you love Jordan shoes like most collectors.