Air Jordan 14: Where Sports Cars And Sneakers Collide
The Air Jordan 14 sneaker features a design inspired by a sports car and has many retro releases.
Even though the Air Jordan 14s are one of the most popular versions within the Air Jordan product line on eBay and other sites, this was almost not the case. Many styles of Jordan sneakers have gained popularity not only because of the design, but as a result of what happened when Michael Jordan wore them on the court. The Jordan 14s just barely made their appearance in the nick of time during the 1998 NBA Finals when Jordan and the Chicago Bulls would win their sixth and final championship.
While it is easy to understand why sneakerheads would want a pair of Air Jordan 14s after Jordan wore them during such an impressive athletic feat, the 1997-98 NBA season was actually the season of the Air Jordan 13s. Designer Tinker Hatfield gave an early AJ XIV prototype to Jordan at the end of the season. The basketball star loved them so much that he wore them during the NBA Finals, and the rest is history.
Influenced By Ferrari
The fourteenth installment of Air Jordan sneakers was once again designed by Tinker Hatfield. This legendary designer loved to find new areas of influence when creating the next model within the Jordan Brand product line. This was certainly the case when it came to the AJ XIV, whose design was influenced by Ferrari and also paid homage to Michael’s love for sports cars.
This version of Air Jordans was introduced as a low-cut style, built for both speed and control. Dual zoom units can be found in the sole of the shoe, while breathable mesh adorns the outsole. The Ferrari influence is most notable in the Jumpman logo design, which is located on the side of the shoe and placed in a triangle inlay.
Original Colorways
The Air Jordan 14s were released in eight original styles between 1998 and 1999. The most popular version is known as the “Last Shot,” as it was the pair that Jordan wore while hitting the game-clinching shot during the 1998 NBA Finals versus the Utah Jazz. This sneaker is a classic Black - Black - Varsity Red colorway, which was Jordan’s signature look during the playoffs.
The Black Toes White, Black and Varsity Red colorway is another classic style Jordan fans had grown accustomed to seeing when a new sneaker was released. This style featured a white upper with a black toe. A black triangle inlay encompasses the Jumpman logo on the side of the shoe while traces of red can be found on the back, matching the Chicago Bulls color scheme. This particular version did not contain the perforated side panels and stitching.
Other original colorways would include Candy Cane White, black, and Varsity Red, Oxy White, black, and Oxidized Green, Indigo Black, black, white, and Indiglo, Low White, Obsidian, and Columbia Blue, Low Varsity Royal Black and white, and Low Light Ginger, black, and white.
A Look at Air Jordan 14 Retro Releases
As one of the more popular designs within the Air Jordan collection, the AJ XIVs have seen their fair share of retro releases.
Air Jordan 14 Retro Black Toe
The Black Toe featured what you would expect by the name, a black toe that contrasted very well with the white upper. This particular model was released in its original form and did not include any ribbed panels. Red trim is featured on the heel and tongue for pops of color.
Air Jordan 14 Retro Ferrari
Leaning even further into the sports car inspiration, this retro version known as the Ferrari features an all-red, suede upper along with bright yellow accents. The carbon fiber shark teeth design on the midsole with a chrome grill shank plate further gives this shoe the look of the luxury sports car. Of course, the signature Jumpman logo is located on the side of the shoe in a triangle in-lay with a yellow background.
Air Jordan 14 Retro Thunder
This retro release was part of the 2014 collection and featured a black suede upper with yellow accents on the midsole, heel, and Jumpman logo. Another yellow Jumpman logo can be found on the bottom of the shoe, while a logo and the number 23 are seen on the back of the heel.
Air Jordan 14 Retro Wolf Grey
The fourth version to hit shelves during the 2014 Retro release is known as the Wolf Gray. This Jordan brand sneaker features an all-gray upper complete with perforated side panels. A darker gray is seen on the midsole, while hints of blue are located on the heel, and the Jumpman logo is on the side of the shoe. The Jumpman logo on the heel is all blue, while the number 23 is white for this model.
Air Jordan 14 Retro Low Laney
2015 would see another AJ XIV Retro release with the Laney. This low-top version features a blue, black, white, and yellow color scheme and is named after Michael Jordan’s high school alma mater. The Laney is notably missing the perforated side panels and has a different heel design. Rather than a Jumpman logo and the number 23 on the heel, this Retro version sports the word Jordan running sideways down the spine of the heel.
Air Jordan 14 Retro Indiglo
Another original colorway saw a Retro release in 2016. The Indiglo features an all-black leather and durabuck upper with hints of white and green throughout the shoe. The leather construction of the upper does not allow for the perforated holes like some of the originals had. The bright green accents are limited throughout the shoe, but the green is predominantly featured above the white Jumpman logo and number 23 on the heel.
Air Jordan 14 Retro Oxidized
Released in 2016, this Retro version added another white sneaker option to the Air Jordan 14 lineup. The white leather upper featured a solid side panel with a black midsole. Legend Blue is used for the Jumpman logo on the side of the shoe, as well as the number 23 on the heel. Oxidized Green accents are used on the midsole of the heel as well as the outsole, which is visible from the silhouette.
Air Jordan 14 Retro Desert Sand
Released in 2018, this AJ XIV retro sneaker features a tan suede upper. The suede construction does not allow for any perforation on the side panels. White accents are used for the midsole, along with a black tongue and side shank. A bright orange can be seen on the heel near the ankle, while the Jumpman logo and number 23 are in solid black.
Air Jordan 14 Retro Last Shot 2018 Edition
The most famous colorway of the Air Jordan 14 lineup would see another Retro release in 2018. This version of the Last Shot contained all of the original elements from the 1998 version, including the perforated side panels, all-black upper, red side shank, and yellow Jumpman logo on the side of the shoe. The Jumpman logo and number 23 on the heel are also all red.
Air Jordan 14 Retro Yellow Ferrari
Released in 2019, this Yellow Ferrari edition of Jordan 14s is very similar to the red Ferrari Retro sneaker. A University Gold is used for the leather upper, while carbon fiber material is sprinkled throughout the midsole. A chrome side shank helps give this sneaker its signature Ferrari look. The Jumpman logo on the side of the shoe is also yellow rather than a contrasting color like the red Ferrari version.
Air Jordan 14 Retro SE Black Ferrari
Also released in 2019, this black Jordan 14 retro sneaker takes its inspiration from the classic Ferrari design. Black perforated leather is used on the shoe’s upper, while pieces of carbon fiber adorn the midsole. A red side shank adds a pop of color to the shoe’s silhouette. On the heel, a black-on-black design is utilized for the Jumpman logo and number 23.