Verdict from 2 experts and 8 user reviews
6 reasons to buy
- Nearly all reviewers praise the Air Jordan XIX’s comfortable cushioning. They exclaim that it is simply amazing and is one of the best cushioning setups of any Air Jordan ever.
- Many players claim that these basketball shoes are great to play in. They are especially pleased with its on-court performance.
- A tester asserts that these Air Jordan basketball shoes have awesome traction on clean courts.
- The AJ 19’s lockdown is incredible, several users comment. It is probably the shoe’s best feature.
- One owner declares that these basketball shoes deliver a flawless heel-to-toe transition.
- Just like the 33rd Air Jordan, the AJ 19 is made of materials that are very durable and supportive, a tester notes.
4 reasons not to buy
- Several reviewers observe that these Air Jordan basketball shoes lose its grip on dusty courts. Dust builds up quickly so constant wiping is necessary.
- These Jordan basketball shoes lack ventilation according to a few players.
- The shoe’s laces are quite thin and easily loosens during play, a handful notice.
- A small number of users think that the Tech-Flex shroud is a little too much and unnecessary.
Bottom line
Although the traction is a bit iffy and the ventilation just about sucks, everything else works close to perfection. The cushioning is extremely comfortable, support and lockdown is incredible, and the materials are top-notch.
Simply put, the Air Jordan XIX is one of the best performance basketball shoes from the Air Jordan line. It can handle heavy post work as well as high-speed backcourt duties. These nearly-rare sneakers are a welcome addition to anyone’s rotation and collection.
Tip: see the best basketball shoes.
Good to know
After being away from the game for two seasons, Michael Jordan announced his return to the league on September 25, 2001. He laced up his Air Jordan XVII and Air Jordan XVIII while playing for the Washington Wizards from 2001-2003. Finally, on April 16, 2003, he took his last bow and stepped away from the game of basketball for good.
Launched in 2004, the Air Jordan XIX ushered in the post-Michael Jordan era. Jordan Brand looked to their roster of stars that include Carmelo Anthony, Ray Allen, Rip Hamilton, Michael Finley, Gary Payton, and Jason Kidd to represent the next chapter of the Air Jordan line.
Michael was still very much involved in the creation of the Air Jordan 19. Made using his exact specifications, these basketball shoes feature a Tech-Flex upper that provides tremendous support. It also has a double-stacked Zoom Air sole unit that offers unparalleled cushioning.
Cushion. These Air Jordan basketball shoes are equipped with full-length Nike Zoom Air bags encased in Phylon midsole carriers. At the heel, a traditional Zoom Air unit is stacked on top of the full-length Zoom Air bag.
This low-profile cushioning setup provides heightened responsiveness, greater impact protection, and unrivaled comfort all game long.
Traction. The Air Jordan 19’s rubber outsole is covered with a double-layered herringbone pattern that provides durable traction on a variety of surfaces. The outsole also features heel and forefoot outriggers for enhanced stability.
Length and Width. A tester reports that the Air Jordan XIX fits true to size. Prospective buyers are advised to order their actual size for a perfect fit.
Lockdown. The Air Jordan 19 features a unique black mamba-inspired Tech-Flex shroud with an adjustable velcro heel strap that ensures a locked-in fit. Underneath the shroud is a lacing system that has plastic lace locks that firmly fasten the foot onto the footbed.
The AJ XIX is also equipped with a carbon fiber shank that provides midfoot support and torsional rigidity.
As the leader of innovative shoe technologies, the Jordan Brand uses a never-before-used material to create the Air Jordan 19’s upper.
Borrowed from the automotive industry, Tech-Flex was chosen to construct the shoe’s distinct snakeskin-inspired upper. This industrial braided-sleeve material is engineered to offer increased airflow and flexibility. It can also evenly distribute pressure.
The AJ XIX’s Tech-Flex upper is designed to deliver lightweight support and breathable comfort. Completing the upper is a patent leather toe box for enhanced durability.
Before Kobe Bryant fully embraced his “Black Mamba” persona, Jordan Brand designers already drew inspiration from the most dangerous snake on the planet when designing the Air Jordan XIX for Michael Jordan. Its striking aesthetic is the ultimate combination of performance and style.
Only five colorways of the Air Jordan 19 were released in 2004. Four years later, a new retro colorway was introduced as part of the Countdown Pack (CDP).
The five OG colors are White/Chrome/Flint Grey – Black, Black/Varsity Red, West Coast Black/White – Metallic Silver, Midwest White/Varsity Red – Metallic Silver, and East Coast White/Midnight Navy – Varsity Red while the only retro colorway came in Black/Chrome – Varsity Red.
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