John Kim 
2012 was an outstanding year for the Air Jordan Retro, but there was potential for it to be an even grander experience than it already was. The Air Jordan XVI is considered by many to be the best Air Jordan model ever in the post-Bulls era, with the slick XI inspiration and unique gaiter giving the shoe an even more luxurious appeal. Jordan Brand had originally intended to bring back the Air Jordan XVI for the Fall 2012 season, but obviously that plan was scrapped; considering the immense Olympic releases already crowding the Fall months and the Holiday season being the busiest Air Jordan Retro release calendar ever, it may have made some sense to give the Air Jordan XVI Retro some breathing room by postponing the release.
In this spread of unreleased samples, we get another look at the Air Jordan XVI Low 2012 Retro and three Air Jordan XVI Mids – a White/Navy that takes after the OG colorway, a Black/Red version with a white midsole, and one ‘Concord’-like composition with a black patent leather toe-box. It must be gut-wrenching to see this scrapped pile of Jays – especially for XVI fans – but we’ll be sure to keep you updated on the future of the Air Jordan XVI. Would you have copped the XVI if they released last year?
Photo: instaverb
