If low-tops can be considered a coupe counter-part of their high top sibling, then surely a drop-top convertible would be the Jordan XVI Low. The concept is so simple yet groundbreaking, you almost wonder why no one else has thought of it before. Brand Jordan proclaim the shoe can be worn both on court and off court by leaving the top either up or down via a magnetic button.

      This is a shoe that differentiates itself from all other low tops. Sick and tired of rocking the same white on white AF1 like everyone else? This summer, just imagine breaking out a pair of deadstock white/red XVI low with its clear soles and all, drop the top and go cruising. Did we mention the Jumpman badge that’s associated with this shoe? Rarity, style, class AND prestige. Impressive indeed.

      You may wonder, why are we bring the XVI from the dead. Isn’t that over and done with? Not exactly. In the retail level, the XVI have pretty much been sold out save for some lingering Gingers. At the after-market level however, collectors are quick to jump at the XVI's while the prices are still at reasonable ranges. The black/red and white/navy Mids are both demanding premium dollars and climbing.

      Alternative black/silver colorway is also available as a low top but is not nearly as hard a collectible to find as the white/red.

      One of the top reasons for the XVI rush is that the clear-bottom sole yellows quickly and hard to keep mint deadstock. The most condition sensitive of the XVI is the white/red low-top. Not only does the bottom yellow with age but the white mesh upper is also extremely hard to keep clean and degrades by just being exposed to sunlight.

      Our XVI Low to the left has only about 2 hours of exposure to light during a photo-shoot for this article. We also tried our best to avoid touching much of the bottom, yet the 2 year old gum soles are already showing early signs of yellowing.

      Sure, you may have thought the XVI was unsightly when it first came out, so did we. But take another detailed look at the shoe and you'll mostly likely find new appreciation for it from a different perspective. That's the beauty of Air Jordans, they are always ahead of its time. Throw in a retractable top that lowers with a touch of a button on a bright summer day and you're guarenteed to be smiling.