Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Air Jordan 17

When Michael Jordan resigned as Washington Wizards president of basketball operations and returned to the court, he wore the Air Jordan XVII. Wilson Smith III again led the design of the Air Jordan XVII.

Smith had a couple of inspirations for this shoe. About the time sketching for the AJ XVII started, musician Michael Phillips was signed by Brand Jordan. Smith adopted the smooth lines and flow of a jazz solo as the theme of the AJ XVII. Smith also incorporated the fine details of an Aston Martin car and the outsole design was said to have come from a golf course Michael played.

Air Jordan 17

The XVII featured a TPU heel stabilizer, heel and forefoot Tuned Air (a first for the Jordan line), a dynamic-fit sleeve, hidden quick lace system, lace-locks, a full-length composite shank plate and variable-width lacing for a more snug fit. Among Smith's innovations was the inclusion of a removable midfoot cover, which allowed the wearer to choose whether the laces would be visible. A CD-Rom and metal briefcase were also included to make the Air Jordan XVII the most expensive Air Jordan ever produced at the time, with a suggested retail price of $200.

The Air Jordan XVII had multiple versions. Three mid colors were released: white/blue, black/black and white/red. An Air Jordan XVII version featured metallic copper and faux alligator leather on the heel. Three low models were released, including a white/lightning All-Star version. To top off the AJ XVII run, three colorways of super low mule slip-ons were released.

In Jordan's first year back with the Wizards, he averaged nearly 23 points per game. In January 2002, he scored his 30,000th point against the Chicago Bulls while wearing the Air Jordan XVII. At his 13th All-Star Game, he wore the Air Jordan XVII Low in the white/lightning color.

During the 2001-2002 season, the XVII was worn by players including Kobe Bryant, Mike Bibby, Michael Finley and Eddie Jones.

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