On April 16, 2003, Michael Jordan capped off his 15-year career in the NBA wearing a pair of Air Jordan 18 sneakers. Although the Washington Wizards lost to the Philadelphia 76ers, the Air Jordan 18 gained a place in sportswear and athletic history. Since then, this sneaker has become a symbol of MJ’s style, lasting legacy, and uncompromising standards.
Designed by Tate Kuerbis, the Air Jordan 18 also pays homage to its predecessors while adding innovative features. As seen in the Air Jordan 8, a shroud hides the tongue and quick lace system, giving the shoe an aerodynamic look. While all Air Jordan 18 sneakers have air vents on the ankles that provide breathability, the colorways and materials vary. For example, the Jordan 18 Retro Black Sport Royal (2018) features a Black suede upper and a rubber sole in Royal Blue.
The Air Jordan 18 draws inspiration from a variety of places, ranging from fine Italian shoemaking to the designs of high-end sports cars. While the Air Jordan 17 and Air Jordan 14 feature detailing drawn from Aston Martin and Ferrari, the Air Jordan 18 was inspired by F1 racing cars. The shoe features sleek lines reminiscent of racing strips on F1 vehicles. If you look closely at the sole, you will see sturdy Italian stitching, and an examination of the heel reveals a rubber heel wrap just like the ones seen on race car driving shoes.
In our opinion, there is no need to sacrifice form over function when choosing the Air Jordan 18 just like the revolutionary Air Jordan 3.
