Air Jordan XIX

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The sole of the XIX is a work of art. Slim and weight-saving in the middle, the outer trim uses super grippy wedges for stability while herringbone traction provides a solid foothold.

Like a snake, the XIX seems to be hatched out of its box. Instead of normal tissue paper, the XIX package comes with a bag that can be compared to a snake shedding its skin.

      At JB, technology set the standard. There's no denying that from anyone in the industry. Michael wanted a shoe that stays low to the ground so he can feel the floor. The low profile technology of Zoom Air provides the maximum cushioning available while not compromising ride height. The chassis is formed by full-length Zoom Air at the forefoot and double stacked Zoom Air at the rear. The injected fiber-tensils allow player to optimize motion, enhance cutting while staying low to the ground like a race car hugging each turn. Carbon Fiber shank plate was first developed to help with Michael's problem with plantar fasciitis. The plate is now coated to avoid cracking and helps support the overall structure of the chassis and provides stability as the rest of the shoe crouches on the full length profile Zoom's. This sophisticated suspension system is what allows the shoe to have a super bouncy cushioning feel and one of the nicest ride in the sneaker industry today.

      Stability wedge bulges out at the lateral forefoot as well as the rear of the medial side. The carefully sculpted midsole is carved and shaped with performance and weight reduction in mind. The visual message is clear: this is a high performance shoe in the tradition of Air Jordans that we've grown to expect.

      The true performance for the Air Jordan XIX starts from the outsole. The underlying design is beautifully constructed in accordance with the styling scheme of the upper. The material used has a semi-translucent compound that is super grippy. Not since the rubber outsole of the XIV have we experienced such a sticky outsole used on a pair of Air Jordans. The traction is simply outstanding for stop and go traffic as well as side to side movements. The outer wedges of the shoe assist with lateral support as well as overall stability of the shoe. Add in the heel counter at the rear and the support from carbon fiber shank plate, the overall stability and safety of the shoe is top notch. High performance is the name of the game here so you should expect nothing less than the very best Nike has to offer. Overall, it is without a doubt this is best performing J since the XIV if not the best of all times.

      The comfort and luxury has surpassed any pair of Jordan before it. The inviting inner bootie is seamless, smooth to the touch and performs much like the Sphere technology used on the Air Zoom Generation to keep moisture away. If you want your feet to be pampered in extravagance then look no further than the XIX. The groundbreaking flagship product of the Jordan brand continues to push the envelope with the Air Jordan XIX through the integration of new materials, state-of-the-art technology and unmatched performance features. Check out our interview with Gentry Humphrey for more inside info on the Air Jordan XIX.

Air Jordan XIX

OVERALL RATING: 8.32 / 10 Comfort: 9 Performance: 9 Cushioning: 9.1 Safety: 8 Weight: 8.1 Durability: 7.5 Style: 8.25

HIGHS: This is a show piece flagship shoe for Nike. The XIX employ a lot of flamboyancies like the patent leather borrowed from the best selling Air Jordan XI and XVI's. The interwoven Tech-Flex gives the shoe a distinct and unique appearance unlike any others in the industry. Chrome Jumpman adorns the side of the shoe, reminding everyone that this is still the signature shoe of the greatest player ever played. The interior features king sized accommodations for any foot. There's plenty of space in the toe box area for wiggling and adjusting. Performance is outstanding - cushioning feel is the best ever in an Air Jordan while the traction ranks among the best with the Jordan XIV. The snug and comfy interior combined with the cushy suspension and overall fit also makes the XIX the most comfortable Air Jordan ever. LOWS: Tech-Flex is a great idea conceptually but there is too much slack between the cover and the lacing system for it to really provide much support. The shroud, along with the rear heel strap are both more of a design element. Unlike the Shox Stunner and Air Force 1, the XIX's strap system provides only minimal ankle support and overall fit. The top of the inner shroud often rubs against the front of the ankle area unless higher socks are worn. Factory laces need to be swapped out because they are too thin. This makes the shoe harder to tie tightly for maximized fit. VERDICT: The overall combination of comfort, performance and styling makes the XIX the year's best if not one of the best basketball shoes ever made. The price of $165 may seem high relative to the rest of the footwear industry. But once you see that these shoes have sold out completely and go for higher than retail in the after market, you'll realize the retail price is a steal.