While the 18s weren’t perfect they weren’t as loved or in equal turns hated as the Air Jordan XIXs were to be. The AJ XIX defines the term ‘love it or hate it’ Jordan. It really pushes the borders of design and taste so if you’re into experimental design and unusual looking shoes this may be for you. What gives it a unique flavour is the “New Jordan 12 Fiba” Tech-Flex material that covers the top of the foot in combination with the patent leather toe. Now on to the undeniable centrepiece of this shoe, the Tech-Flex hood: it’s dynamic and it stretches as well as breathes and not only does it lend support it also catches your eye whether you want it to or not. Support and comfort-wise the tech-flex material wraps around the foot keeping it snug then it locks the heel in place from the back with a Velcro strap that also provides enhanced ankle support; all the usual suspects are on board too as in the carbon fibre shank plate, double stacked Zoom Air heel and full length Z.A. If you don’t mind a bit of controversy and find the 19s pleasing, aesthetically speaking, you may want to give them a try. Although they didn’t quite make laces obsolete, as was the plan, when you slip them on they’re bound to provide instant and excellent comfort, clean lines and more than enough under the ‘hood’ to keep you satisfied.
