Air Jordan 19

Michael Jordan might have been done with playing basketball, but this did not put an end to his trademark Air Jordan sneakers. On the contrary, in 2004, a year after MJ's retirement, Nike introduced Air Jordan 19. And even though Michael himself has never worn them during the game, his specification helped develop the model. 

Following his fantastic Air Jordan 18 sneaker, Tate Kerbis once again became the designer. This time, though, his USA was not Italian shoewear. Kerbis designed Jordan 19 with a poisonous African snake, the Black Mamba, in mind. This gave 19s a unique and striking look, making them one of the best-looking sneakers ever made. 

Like its predecessors, Air Jordan 19 was developed using cutting-edge technology. It included a Zoom Air cushioning 

and Tech-Flex upper. However, what made it stand out from previous Jordans was the lack of laces. Instead, the 19s introduced a braided sleeve made of flexible material that locked in the foot.

Air Jordan 19 cost $165 when it was originally released, and just like Jordan 17 and 18, the sneakers came in a special divided box. The box was not as impressive as the two previous ones, but it implemented one cool feature. It was divided into two slots, with the sneakers neatly packed in net-shoe bags. 

With Michael not playing anymore, Nike decided to keep the Jordan brand alive on the court with the help of NBA young and bright stars. The list of chosen ones included such names as Jason Kidd, Ray Allen, and Carmelo Anthony. That is also why Jordan 19s were considered to be designed with a new generation of players in mind.

Since its 2004 release, 19 has gone through several changes and re-edits, with the most famous one being the one from 2019 in an OG "Flint" colorway that celebrated the sneaker's 15th anniversary.