Who should buy the Air Jordan XX8
The Air Jordan XX8 might benefit you if:
- You love basketball shoes that grab the attention of people on and off the court.
- You prefer a shoe with a reliable court grip that doesn't even require wiping during the game.
- You are looking for a sneaker with the ability to enhance your speed, jumps, and on-court maneuvers.
- You are after a shoe supple enough right out of the box.
Who should not buy the Air Jordan XX8
Budget-conscious basketball enthusiasts will find the Air Jordan XX8's price a little bit too much. Its ventilation could also be a big turn-off for players who value hygiene and a healthy foot environment. They are better off with the Air Jordan 2011.
Profile of the Air Jordan XX8
The Air Jordan XX8 marks the return of numbered Air Jordan basketball shoes. Its design is inspired by the idea of “stealth" and is based on a scene from the 90’s action movie “True Lies” where Arnold Schwarzenegger, after getting rid of a few villains, unzips his commando suit and steps out in a tuxedo.
Performance
Cushion. The midsole utilizes the Flight Plate System, which is considered one of the best cushioning setups available today. This system delivers tremendous energy return, and it gives players an ultimately responsive ride. The forefoot unit is divided into two segments so that whichever side the wearer leans on, the cushioning would work just as well.
Traction. The outsole comes with a full-length spiral-shaped tread pattern that looks similar to a fingerprint.
The grooves are multidirectional, and it has full and grippy coverage regardless of which direction the wearer is coming from or going to. Because of this, sudden direction switches are possible.
Fit
Length and Width. Although the shoe runs true to size, several testers recommend going half a size down if a snug glove-like fit is desired. However, if you like that extra space between your foot and the upper, you can go with your standard Jordan basketball shoe size.
Lockdown. The shoe’s lockdown comes from the Dynamic Fit system. This system uses two layers of material: mesh and a stretchy material called Lycra. The lace loops are shaped like fingers, and they securely grasp the foot and pull it into the midsole for a 360° locked-in feel. The outer shroud is enclosed by a sturdy zipper.
Material
The upper is composed of two layers. The outer 8-inch shroud is made of a durable Schoeller textile that is abrasion-proof and feels nice to the touch. The inner upper is made of mesh, fuse, and Lycra. It is a full-length internal cleat with a thickly padded tongue and cushioned pods in the heel areas.
The Jordan XX8 also has an external carbon fiber butterfly heel counter and a midfoot shank, and both reportedly support the foot well. The materials strike a balance between lightness and strength.
The Flight Plate System in the midsole has a PEBAX plate, two Unlocked Zoom Air units, and a Phylon case that surrounds the units. The outsole rubber, depending on the colorway, comes in either translucent or solid rubber compound.
Style
The Jordan XX8 looks like a military combat cleat. Its upper sports a classic basketball shoe silhouette. The shoe can be worn in two ways: one is by zipping the cleat to the top, transforming it into a high-top; the other is by unzipping and folding the shoe’s shroud, making the shoe a mid-top.
Special Colorways of the Air Jordan XX8
The shoe originally debuted in a Black/White-Electric Green colorway and later on was released in more than fifteen different colorways. Below are some of the most popular colorways worn by top NBA athletes:
Air Jordan XX8 Why Not
The Cement Black/Blue/Orange “Why Not” colorway of the Air Jordan 28 was worn by Russell Westbrook during a game against the Brooklyn Nets. The two-word mantra for Westbrook started back in high school when he and his friends would ask themselves “why not?” before doing something crazy or impulsive.
The phrase today, however, has a better meaning for the MVP player. In an interview, he explains that it’s about empowering kids and giving them a sense of confidence and swagger. He adds, “I didn’t think I’d be playing in the NBA at the time, but just being able to give the next person, your brother, your friend, whoever it is, some confidence. Why not? Who told you, you can’t? That’s how it started and now I’m using the mantra to keep impacting people across the world.”
Air Jordan XX8 Locked And Loaded
In honor of Ray Allen and his game-winning clutch shot in Game 6 against the San Antonio Spurs back in 2013, the White/Gym Red/University Gold/Icy Blue colorway Allen wore during the close match was released in 2018.
Facts / Specs
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