Details of the Air Jordan 14 Retro Graphite Navy 2011
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 Retro Graphite Navy 2011
A retro of a Tinker Hatfield design first released in 1998, the Air Jordan 14 Retro Graphite Navy celebrates Jordan's love of motorsports and one of his most beloved sports cars in particular. Sculpted lines running upward from the toe box to the collar mimic the aerodynamic lines of Jordan's treasured Ferrari 550 M. Mesh vents and metal-tipped laces call luxury grilles and chrome automotive accents to mind. A shielded Jumpman logo at the ankle even resembles a small hood ornament or a trim-specific badge. The Jumpman reappears on the heel counter and the outsole, as does the number '23.' Black overlays and graphite details offset the midsole, contrasting with a gleaming white outsole.
