AIR JORDAN XX

The almost "Air -less" Jordan 20 utilises hybrid shox technology "I.P.S."

Brand Jordan's latest flagship release, the Air Jordan XX is a enigma. That familiar love-hate relationship that is associated with every Air Jordan release. Even more so with this latest iteration, which Tinker Hatfield helped design.

Some fans describe it as a design masterpiece, an objets d'art worthy of display in a modern art museum or gallery. For the rest of us, it's the gayest, most uninspiring and over-hyped pair of sneakers. Deja vu right?!? The same critics probably had the same criticisms when the Air Jordan IV was released with it's gimmicky plastic laceholders. Or when the gay-looking Air Jordan V was released with its reflective tongue and transparent outsole.

But now, ask them what they think of the IV and V. Their taste changed, "Those sneakers are hot homie!!" The Air Jordan XX is no doubt of a similar vintage. It's Cobec ankle strap with seems to suspend, defying gravity. Functional, no, not very anyway if you attached it to the flip tab on the tongue. It's more for looks.

	Next. The beautifully lasered midfoot strap is wonderful to look at. It's intricate etchings contain symbols or stories of MJ over the past 20 years. Anyone curious about their meaning, should visit www.jumpman23.com website to learn more.
20		IPS		BULLS
The other outstanding feature is the cushioning technology. The first almost "Air-less" Jordan. You will not find a single zoom air unit in the XX. Instead there are 20 specially "tuned" phylon columns/pods strategically located around the outsole reinforced by an internal shank plate. The rear pod has a specially modified air unit incorporated into it.			The hyped cushioning system is called INDEPENDENT PODULAR SUSPENSION (IPS). Quite simply, it's a hybrid shox system minus the columns and pebax dispersion plate. It works very well during wear tests. It's low profile gives it the responsiveness edge over the XIX. However the traction is not as great as it can be.
NBA		LEASH		69
	It's just a design issue, the translucent circular pods look great but the large black rubber area doesn't offer much traction. If you cut hard, the shoe feels like it's gonna slip. Nobody can beat the law of physics. Greater surface area means better grip. The outsoles need more herringbone pattern.


	The packaging is beautiful. Since the Air Jordan XVII was released with its duralumin case, subsequent Jordans were released with uniquely special packaging. The XX cardboard box is a pretty foil-stamped "gift box" embossed with laser pattern on the inside and outside. It splits opens in the middle.
EYE		6		LASER
A 2 inch piece of velcro secures the lids together. The sides have red metallic foil stamping and a large embossed "jordan" across.The back of the box is all black with a large "holographic" foil stamped Jumpman embossed at the back. Beautiful attention to details.			When you open the box, one of the shoes is inside a large nylon mesh bag with thick drawstrings. The other pair is bagless but wrapped in white embossed "laser" paper. You can stick both shoes inside bag if you like. At the bottom of the box is the special "20th Anniversary" coaster.
HAND		AIRLESS		PODS
	There are several different coaster patterns. 1) MJ's Face 2) Hands 3) Black Cat 4) Toolbox 5) Bus Driver Cap 6) Whistle 7) Friends 8) Car 9) Baseball Home plate stats

Uppers :
These quickstrikes have plain white leather uppers. They are not patent and don't "shimmer" like the White/Varsity Red-Black colourway first released in Feb 2005. A small patch of black patent leather protects the medial side of the toebox from toe drag. An inspiration from motorcycle racing boots. The asymmetrical toebox has 6 flexion grooves to prevent creasing. It works very well. Not a single crease showed up after playing 3 pickup games which in itself is a credit to JB's experience and knowledge in footwear.

The midfoot strap is laser-etched patent leather. It is a piece of intricate art serving a purpose of locking down your midfoot. One can not help but stare at the pattern and be hypnotised by the precision and razor sharpness of the laser. The laser strap covers the fat, padded laces. These laces are much, much better and stronger than the thread-like laces on the XIX. Bigger players will appreciate this feature.

Box Instructions. Attaching ankle leash to flip-tab.

The controversial ankle "leash" is next. The patent cobec strap is metallic gun-metal black. A subtle and sophisticated colour that my digital camera can't capture. It is tough and does not crease at all!!! Again a great example of using the right materials in the right areas. The strap seems to suspend in thin-air. It provides minimal ankle support if you attach it the flip tab on the tongue. Beneath the flip tab are the letters "MJ" in red embroidery. WOW!!

The heel counter is reinforced. Two V-shaped black patent leather straddle around it. Embossed 1, 2, 3 on the lateral-side and 4, 5, 6 on the medial-side, it signifies the Chicago Bulls repeat three-peat Championships. The stiff collar attached to the ankle strap, has six chrome-like plastic strips across and the Jumpman logo at the top. The top-most strips appear to be air-brushed "blue green-tint", a nice touch that makes Jordan's so special, the tiny attention to details.

Midsole :
A large sculpted white phylon encases the I.P.S and internal shank plate. The sides have 69 "speed divots" representing MJ's NBA career high score set in Cleveland Mar 28, 1990. The shape is angular and simple, functional, supportive, strengthening and light.

Outsole :
Inspired by racing bike tyres. The large black expanse has useless "race grooves" across it. Highlighting it are ten circular I.P.S columns located in high impact zones. It's partially translucent and you can see the actual phylon pods inside if you stare hard enough.

Outriggers on the lateral forefoot area prevent ankle inversion. The XIX in comparison has prominent outriggers on the lateral forefoot area and also medial back-foot area.

Insole :
The insole is lined with Nike-Sphere sockliner and covered with laser patterned fabric. An interesting change is the heel area "Jordan Eye" logo replacing the "Jumpman" logo. His eye is looking at you when you peer into his soul. The footbed is perforated to allow ventilation.

Conclusion :
Air Jordan XX commemorates 20 years of Michael Jordan's legacy and legend. Memorable moments that most 30 something fans can relate to and savour. Those never-say-die games, the incredible moves, accuracy and making shots when it really counts. That electrifying feeling you get when MJ has the ball in the last 2 minutes of a game. That feeling something special is going to happen. Those things are what most Jordan fans will cherish forever. The Air Jordan XX; a historical archive of MJ's experiences from 1985 to 2005 it truly is...