Air Jordan 16

Smith took inspiration from marching boots, high-performance automobiles and architecture. The upper of the Air Jordan XVI was built with lightweight mesh and included a full-length inner booty. The shoe had a patent leather toe rand. The full-grain leather and breathable mesh upper could be covered by a unique removable shroud that allowed the Air Jordan XVI to transition from an off-court shoe into a game shoe. The shroud featured a magnetic fastening cover for added lockdown.

The square toe box was very roomy compared to previous Air Jordans, and the patent leather toe of the XVI was taken from the AJ XI. The shoe featured a return to the visible Air-Sole cushioning and the translucent outsole that was featured on Air Jordans V, VI and XI. The Air Jordan XVI introduced blow-molded heel and forefoot Zoom Air to the line as the Air Jordan progressed toward performance basketball.

Four colorways of the Air Jordan XVI were released in 2001. The Black/Red and White/Navy versions featured patent leather toes and the wheat model had a rich suede upper. The Cherrywood color was constructed of full-grain leather. Two low versions were released as well: white/red and black/black.

The Air Jordan XVI could be seen on Michael Finley, Mike Bibby, Quentin Richardson, Darius Miles and Reggie Miller during the season. Considered to be one of the most stylish off-court Air Jordans, the XVI was worn by Michael in a suit back in 2001 Brand Jordan ads.