Image via Complex Original
LeadMock
Tomorrow brings back the much anticipated re-release of the "Chicago" Jordan Xs from the "City Pack" push while MJ was playing Double A ball in Birmingham. You know the rest, dude's batting average wasn't the greatest and he missed more shots balls than any little leaguer would in the World Series (Domincan Republic birth certificates not included). The Xs were already a dope shoe without the comeback — the career achievements scripted down the outsole was a nice touch — but the history is just as important as the aesthetic make up of the model. We decided to break down the series and hit you with The Best 10 Jordan Xs.
WhiteVarsityRed
10. Air Jordan X "White/Varsity Red"
Year: 2005
The "White/Varsity Red" Xs were new for 2005, flipping the classic "Steel Grey" OG colorway with red in place of the original's black. The problem is they don't hold the same kind of history, or carry the same weight in a sneaker freaks' heart — we tend to get a little sentimental when it comes to kicks. The 2005 original release featuring the white and red upper with steel grey accents needs to make a comeback, maybe during this 2012 run.
Stealth
9. Air Jordan X "Black/White"
Year: 2005
The original-for-2005 colorway isn't talked about nearly as much as the other colorways from the X lineup, but the murdered-out Xs are definitely trill. The all-black make up makes these perfect for rocking in the harsh winter and not worrying about someone fucking your shit up in the club. They feature very, very minimal white accents (just on the Jumpman on the heel and outsole) — sometimes less is more.
Orlando
8. Air Jordan X "Orlando"
Year: 1995
The two massive stars in Orlando already had their own signature thing going on — these actually were Nick Anderson's joints (Illini represent). The "City Pack" saw Nike (and MJ) hooking up various Chi-town products and Carolina alums to rock the Jordan Xs in the L. The Magic used back-to-back lottery picks to become a sudden power in the East, thanks to Shaq wreaking havoc in the middle and a 6-7 point guard from Memphiscreating mismatches and showing flashes of a different Magic. Unfortunately for MJ the Bulls bowed out to O-Town in six games during Round Two in '95 — thanks in part to a crucial Anderson chasedown strip of MJ. Gotta be the shoes?
SteelGrey
7. Air Jordan X "Steel Grey"
Year: 1994
The first colorway of the AJX, the "Steel Greys" sold well enough, but met with the disapproval of the one person whose opinion mattered most — MJ. A proponent of clean-toed shoes, Mike didn't like the extra strip of leather on the toe, and told designer Tinker Hatfield all about it. Ensuing releases didn't have the extra reinforcement — and neither did the 2005 "Steel Grey" retros. What MJ wants, MJ gets.
Seattle
6. Air Jordan X "Seattle"
Year: 1995
Before Jesus Shuttlesworth was making it rain in Seattle as part of Jordan Brand, former Fightin' Illini Kendall Gill was on his second squad in the NBA and rocking these city-inspired Js. The subtle green and gold hints likely remind you more of the Packers today than the distant memory of the Sonics, but none the less still trill. Bring these back (and the Sonics too, for that matter).
Sacramento
5. Air Jordan X "Sacramento"
Year: 1995
The Air Jordan X didn't get a legit all-black release until they got retroed — but for a lucky few in 1995, there were the Sacramentos. Jordan Brand laced perennial All-Star Mitch Richmond with one of the City Series joints to immortalize his Kings in Jordan history. It has been a minute since the Sacremento has been kings of the left coast — probably going to be a minute before these release again too. Which is too bad, because the black and purple was real mean.
NewYork
4. Air Jordan X "New York"
Year: 1995
Before Spike had his own kicks to rock courtside, he may have been hyping up Ewing and company wearing these Knickerbocker-inspired Xs. The shoes are tough to tell apart from the "Orlando" pair unless you look at the outsole, but Mike hooked up his UNC brethren (and Walter Davis's nephew) Hubert Davis with a pair to hold down The Garden. Can someone get Melo in these?
Shadows
3. Air Jordan X "Shadows"
Year: 1994
The GR "Shadows" appeared on Jordan's feet during his comeback in '95 and stood apart from most other Jordan X colorways. The laid back grey and black colorway utilized contrasting materials on the upper and a checkered lining that's been revived on several retro colorways including the "Chicagos." The colorway was used on the 2008 Countdown Pack pair which featured the 2-3 stitched up by the ankle. You can still grab these from most resellers for around $250 and they likely won't see a comeback anytime soon.
Chicago
2. Air Jordan X "Chicago"
Year: 1995
Kind of crazy that Harold "Baby Jordan" Miner and Scottie Pippen took it to the house in these before Mike even had a chance to wag his tongue in 'em. With baseball on strike and likely no one to golf with that could handle his wagers (lookin' at you Chuck) Michael came back to the league. The famous 2-3 was hanging in the banners at the United Center so MJ donned the 4-5 which his brand stitched on the Xs. His first year back wasn't a exactly a classic ending as Mike and the Bulls came up short of hardware, but his return assured that the Jordan series would live on. Pairs have sold for stupid money in recent years, but tonight they're back — no two-word fax necessary.
Charlotte
1. Air Jordan X "UNC"
Year: 1994
The white and black with accents colorway screamed "City Pack," but the Dark Powder Blue hits on these Xs took things all the way back to Chapel Hill. Nike had long paid respects to Mike's Tar Heels with UNC-themed joints (even the Air Jordan 1 was produced in baby blue), but with the IXs and Xs, they actually found their way onto the feet of the ACC's finest, most notably high-flying wingman Jerry Stackhouse. Given Carolina's continued success and their official Jordan sponsorship, it's stunning these have yet to return.
