The Jordan 14 Gets Loud with the Thunder 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.
As a nod to the original Candy Cane colourway of 1998, the 2019 Candy Cane colourway was a welcomed addition to the brand's Air Jordan 14 silhouette. An entirely leather upper features channel stitching design elements and fabric perforations to lend an air of breathability to the trainer. A black Jumpman is encased by an emblem on the shoe's lateral side. Additional black accents can be found on the top of the tongue as well as on the midsole, making its way down to the tread. Black appears one final time on the traditional Jumpman branding and number 23 on the heel. Varsity Red highlights appear on the heel tab, midsole, and top of the tongue where the lettering XIV is featured.