words // Luis Sanchez
The Air Jordan X is one of the most storied shoes in the Air Jordan signature collection for many reasons. From the classic "City Series" to MJ's return in the iconic "Chicago" colorway, there are plenty of moments in history that remind us of the classic silhouette.
Celebrating tomorrow's return of the iconic Chicago colorway, we take a look back at ten of those moments in history that will forever be remembered thanks to the timeless Air Jordan X.
Air Jordan X baseball cleats
Fulfilling his father's dream of seeing him play baseball, MJ hit the diamond for the Chicago White Sox' class AA affiliate Birmingham Barons during his first retirement from the NBA in 1994. Although not as talented as he was on the court, MJ sure did play in style, taking the field in cleated versions of both the Air Jordan IX and the Air Jordan X. One of the most coveted collector's pieces in the Air Jordan series, the cleated version of the Air Jordan X featured a simple black/white colorway to match the Barons' uniforms.
MJ returns to the NBA in "Chicago" Air Jordan X
Letting the world know of his return with the simple phrase, "I'm Back," MJ suited up for the Bulls on March 25, 1995 with the "Chicago" Air Jordan X on his feet. Although shooting just 7 of 28 from the field for 19 points in the overtime loss to the Pacers, MJ's return to the NBA is still recognized as one of the most important games in history.
Scottie Pippen asks Jordan to come back in Air Jordan X1.
Nick Anderson's steal on MJ in the '95 Eastern Conference Semi-Finals
Most notably known as the "Original Magic," Nick Anderson will also be forever remembered for his pick-pocket steal from Jordan during game 1 of the 1995 Eastern Conference semi-finals. Recognized by many sports fans as one of the greatest moments in Orlando Magic history, the Nick Anderson steal was also an iconic moment in footwear history, with Nick Anderson rocking the "Orlando" Air Jordan X and MJ in the timeless "Concord" Air Jordan XI.
Multiple PE Colorways Of The Air Jordan X
With MJ out of the NBA and trying his hand at professional baseball when the Air Jordan X was released, Nike took a different approach and introduced his latest signature shoe to the world on the feet of other NBA 2-guards. Calling on the likes of Harold Miner, Kendall Gil, a young Jerry Stackhouse and many more, the Jordan X was seen on court in a variety of city-inspired PE colorways. We saw Harold "Baby Jordan" Miner in a white/red-black colorway for the Heat, Mitch Richmond in the coveted "Sacramento" home edition and of course, Hubert Davis in a PE Knicks colorway.
Tinker Hatfield & MJ disagree on Air Jordan X toe cap
Going back to the early days of the Air Jordan X, many of you might remember the original "Steel Grey" colorway releasing with a smooth leather toe-cap. Initially incorporated into Tinker's original design, the Air Jordan X went through a "running change," as Tinker calls it, where a mid-production decision was made to remove the toe-cap from the remaining colorways released of the Air Jordan X. The change was of course thanks to MJ's swift demands. Michael offered a friendly bet to Tinker if he wanted to keep the toe cap -- he could pay MJ the difference in sales if the original design of the Air Jordan X didn't outsell the Air Jordan IX.
First Retro release of the Air Jordan X
One of the last Air Jordans to see a Retro release, the Air Jordan X finally made its return to retail back in 2005. Original and new generation colorways were released, capturing the hearts of both MJ fans around to witness his return in the X and also younger collectors who appreciated them just as much. We saw the original "Steel Greys" make a return, along with a White/Varsity Red-Grey edition and the popular "Ice Blue" colorway.
Double-Nickel
MJ's comeback was officially cemented when he dropped 55 points on the New York Knicks on March 28th, 1995. At the time, the "Double-Nickel" was a record total scored against the Knicks at MSG, breaking Jordan's previous mark of 51. In a twist of irony, the Bulls won the game in the final ticks when MJ found an open Bill Wennington for a dunk. Just five games into his comeback, dropping 55 points in the "Chicago" Air Jordan X is just another part of the game's greatest legacy.
Danny Crawford in the Air Jordan Retro 10 for multiple seasons
Throughout the '90s, it was widely rumored that long-time NBA referee and Chicago native Dan Crawford heavily favored MJ's Chicago Bulls. Coincidentally enough when the Air Jordan X was first retroed in 2005, Crawford did his job in the black-based colorway and wore them religiously for almost the next four seasons.
Air Jordan X Autoclave possibly ruins legacy of the Air Jordan X
Leading up to this year's multiple retro releases of the Air Jordan X, the Jordan Brand introduced a lifestyle-geared version of the classic silhouette. Liked by many but frowned upon by many, many, many more, the AC edition features a red tonal build and sits atop a traditional auto-clave outsole. Debuting earlier this month, we should expect to see several more colorways released throughout the year.
