2006 Retro Shoe of the Year - Air Jordan XIV

      In normal years, Retro of the Year is awarded to a remake that is full of nostalgia - a shoe that brings you back to a time that can't be compared to today's modern day sneakers. However, with the Air Jordan XIV Retro, we've found that the old still reigns surpreme among the new. The 14's hasn't let down at all over the years. In fact, the simple pureness of this performance oriented shoe makes us wish that Nike/JB can produce more of the same.

      Thinking back, has it really been that long since MJ hit that final shot against the Jazz? Jordan Brand sure thinks so. In 2006, they retro-released the Air Jordan XIV all over again for a full retail of $150. For the past 3 years, KG has rated the XIV the best Air Jordan EVER in terms of true performance. The grip, responsiveness, zoom cushioning and relative lightweightness combine to make the XIV the Ferrari of J's. How does the Retro stack up to the original? We take a look at the original white/black/red colorway.

Smooth, clean, classiness

      At first glance, the original's upper uses a smooth full grain leather while the retro used the ribbed design. This is not a big deal on the surface. When standing still, the Retro looks better. The OG seems just a tad bit too simplified. Once you get on the court however, the ribbed design looks too busy for this particular colorway. The original intent by Tinker in our opinion is to showcase the contrasting toe while the rest of the clean look fills the rest of the shoe. The result is undeniable. 8 years past its prime, the XIV is still a great shoe to look at on the court. It doesn't look dated. It's classiness exude on the court - well respected in both looks and performance.

The Jumpman surrounded by Ferrari shield should tell you the pedigree of this shoe

      Looks aside, the quality of the original shoe seems to be a tad higher. Every little detail from the stitching to the glue, to the feel of the leather and the suede just seems that much better on the original for some reason. The new retro seems more like a mass-production shoe much like USA-made Toyota & Honda's today. This is quite disappointing because the full price tag of the retro shoe remains $150. It's one thing to cut corners, but we simply feel the XIV is one of those masterpieces that should be as close to the original as possible.

Still one of the best

      On the court, little has changed. Some of our original gripe about the tongue slipping seems to have improved just a bit. The creasing of the shark fin and the outsole remains a pet peeve. Like those rattles on a pure bred sports car, you can always find little things here and there. However, once on the court, you realize that those are all miniscule little details that you can't care less about. The cup holders and comfort is for the weak of heart. Like the Ferrari that it represents, the XIV stretches out its legs on the hardwood and maximize its full potential. It's amazing the feel of this quick and agile shoe hasn't changed at all. The high inner upper gives you full protection against ankle inversion while the lower outside allow flexibility and quicker cuts. The retro uses a higher quality interior lining that is almost velvet like. The plush lining makes this shoe more luxurious and address some of the 'harsh' ride of the original.

Think of the sole as the best max performance tires you can buy for your feet

      The Zoom Air located at both the forefoot and the heel remains one of the best implementation of the technology. Unlike some of today's Zoom Air that are either too bloated or too low profile, the XIV's has a perfect balance of responsiveness, cushioning and court feel. The shank plate provides full stability so the shoe stays plated and rigid. This is one tight and solid chassis that we just can't find anything wrong with. The outsole provides super gripping traction - even slightly dusty and wet floors. Last but not least, how can we forget the cold air intake vents on the medial side of the shoe? It sucks in air during movement on the floor and allow some of the hot air to leak out.

Cold air anyone?

      With the XIV, this Air Jordan aimed high - straight for the flagship Ferrari of its time - the Maranello 550. It is safe to say that it has succeeded expectations and beyond. The Retro carries on that badge of honor, as the best performance Air Jordan ever and takes down the 2006 Retro Shoe of the Year with ease.

The rear tail lights should be all that your opponent see of you