The Jordan 14 Tries on the Hyper Royal Colourway
The Jordan 14s possess an outsized presence in the history of trainers 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 colourway 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” colourway 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 trainer designer Tinker Hatfield - this time with the help of designer Mark Smith.
Jordan 14 Retro Hyper Royal 2020
The Jordan brand dropped the Black Toe Retro colourway for the Air Jordan 14 silhouette in time for the launch of its 2014 catalogue. While the trainer may feature an almost entirely White upper, it incorporates Black accents on the heel, outsole, tongue, laces, and its signature black toe. Varsity Red accents make their way onto the heel and Jordan text woven into the top of the tongue. Red appears a final time on the outsole, where a Jumpman logo and XIV emblem are stamped into the tread. Subtle Metallic Silver accents peek through at the shoe's arch and tongue handle, while a Metallic Gold etches a Jumpman logo and the number 23 into its heel. This exclusive Black Toe design was released in September of 2014.