Design of the Jordan 14 PE Quentin Richardson
The Jordan 14s possess an outsized presence in the history of sneaker and basketball culture. When Michael Jordan sank a 20-foot jump shot with 5 seconds left on the clock in Game 6 of the 1998 NBA Finals, he clinched the sixth series win in eight years for the Chicago Bulls. It was the last shot of that momentous game, the last shot of the series, and the last shot of his career with the Bulls. It was in every sense the last shot of an era, and Mike made it wearing the Air Jordan 14s in Black/Black-Varsity Red, a colorway that would forever after be known as “Last Shot.”
So important was this moment in the history of both the Jordan line and the history of basketball that Nike has re-released the “Last Shot” colorway more than once – in 2005, 2011, and then again in 2018 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of that incredible basket.
Beyond the history-making moment of MJ’s final career basket, the 14s quickly achieved a wild popularity. Just two months after the 14s’ release, Footaction ranked it in position 82 on their list of the 100 best athletic shoes ever produced.
History of Air Jordan 14
Originally released in 1997 and produced in its original generation through 1999 (and then re-issued as a “Retro” in 2005, 2006, 2008, 2011, 2012 and 2014–2018), the Air Jordan 14 was the last model worn on the court by Jordan himself. Like nearly all of the Air Jordans produced during Michael Jordan’s playing career (except models I and II), the 14s were designed by legendary sneaker designer Tinker Hatfield—this time with the help of designer Mark Smith.
Jordan 14 PE Quentin Richardson
The Jordan 14 PE Quentin Richardson, released in 2005, features a Q embroidered on the ankle. Because the Jordan 14 is inspired by the Ferrari F355F1, it also has a Ferrari-like shield with a Jumpman inside. Its upper is white leather with matching overlays and blue and orange detailing. The mudguard is blue and is broken into sections. There is a spot of grey along the medial arch and an orange circle with "XIV" inside on the outsole. Zoom Air units in the forefoot and heel provide cushioning and impact absorption. A full-length Phylon midsole enhances the Zoom Air. For traction, the sneakers depend on a herringbone pattern with thick grooves.