8 Jordan Silhouettes That Were Inspired by Cars or Fighter Jets

Image via Complex Original

Year: 1990
Designer: Tinker Hatfield
Influence: World War II Mustang Fighter Jet

The World War II Mustang fighter plane inspired Tinker Hatfield, which is most evident when it comes to the "teeth" on the front of the midsole. Hatfield thought of Jordan's game to be one in the same with how an airplane strikes: "Floating around the edges of the game and coming out of nowhere to attack." MJ did just that, dropping a career-high 69 points versus the, wait for it, Cavaliers and introducing the masses to flight school.

Year: 1990
Designer: Tinker Hatfield
Influence: Porsche 911

The Jordan II was luxury, but the Jordan VI was inspired by MJ's personal luxury, his Porsche 911. The heel tab was constructed after the car's rear spoiler so it looked fast on the floor no matter what lane Michael was dominating. The kicks also featured translucent soles, "Visible Air" in the sole, and a two-hole pull on the tongue which allowed for an easier entry of the foot, a feature that has been borrowed by many kicks since. 

Year: 1999
Designer: Tinker Hatfield
Influence: Ferrari F335 and 550M

No big deal, Tinker just used another Ferrari from Jordan's fleet of whips for inspiration. The 'Rari-like badge, air "intakes" and the metal tips on the laces added to the high-tech feel. The shoes helped Mike win his sixth ring and will be remembered on his feet dragging across the court during his famous step back "final shot" against the Jazz in the NBA Finals; Tinker was just as clutch.

Year: 1999
Designer: Tinker Hatfield
Influence: X-15 Fighter Jet

Tinker Hatfield had the blueprint for Mike's stealth bombers. Okay, no one called them that, but if Jordan wouldn't have retired for a second-time, it was bound to happen. The XVs took design cues from the X-15 fighter jet developed by NASA in the 1950s. The jet is futuristic, with its long, streamlined nose, which is portrayed in the shoe. The X-15 has a reputation for being of the fastest and most aggressive aircrafts, perfectly fitting of MJ's persona.

Year: 2002
Designer: Wilson Smith
Influence: Aston Martin

Not that His Airness' brand was struggling, but the clean lines inspired by the Aston Martin line upped the luxury to one of pop culture's most important yearly rollouts. The direct parallel is in the details, as each Aston is carefully crafted, down to each stitch and every accent. 

Year: 2005
Designer: Tinker Hatfield and Mark Smith
Influence: Motorcycle Tires

A lawnmower for Jordan XIs might have been a stretch, but tires definitely fit in this lane. Tinker came back to help on the XXs, and, along with his vision, he had his love for automobiles for inspiration. Using motorcycle tires and cycling shoes as models, the XX was one of JB's lightest and most innovative pairs to date.

Year: 2006
Designer: D'Wayne Edwards
Influence: Bentley Continental GT Coupe

The Air Jordan XXIs used premium Italian suede or full-grain leather and were aesthetically very simple and clean compared to most other Jordan releases. Again, inspired by MJ's car, the high-quality materials were the draw for the XXIs. Odds are you aren't ever going to be mobbin' in the streets driving a Bentley Coupe, but these aren't a bad consolation.

Year: 2007
Designer: D'Wayne Edwards
Influence: F-22 Raptor Jet

Would you pay $150 mil for the jet or $150 on sale through Eastbay for the kicks? The F-22 Raptor Jet looked sick but had a few air issues, unlike the XX2s, which numerous Jordan Brand athletes wore on the court, helping keep the legacy alive. The Raptor is reflected in the shoe with the sharp lines, the zig-zag design, the rear air vents, and the pattern on the heel. The car inspirations are a thing of beauty, but the aggressive take on the jets are what real ballers want to lace up in.