The Jordan 8 Retro Sugar Ray Player Exclusive
The AJ VIII features a two cross-strap design around the laces, which distinguishes it from other Air Jordan models and retains its legacy as a signature '90s trainer style. The silhouette is renowned for its iconic chenille tongue graphic design.
When the Jordan 8 Retro Low was introduced in 2003, it featured a low-top silhouette and one cross-strap detail around the laces. Otherwise, it maintained the Jordan 8's original design integrity.
History of Air Jordan 8
The Air Jordan 8 holds a lot of sentimental significance to trainer heads and collectors. It first released in 1993 - the year of MJ's "three-peat" championship season. The AJ XIII is also distinguished for being the last shoe Michael Jordan wore before his first retirement.
Created by the legendary designer Tinker Hatfield, the Air Jordan 8 initially released at a retail price of 125 USD. Highly sought-after models that carry significant resale values include the Air Jordan 8 Retro DB Doernbecher colourway (400 to 1,200 USD), the OVO collection (350 to 500 USD) and the coveted Air Jordan 8 PE series that can fetch anywhere from 2,500 to over 10,000 USD.
Other noteworthy, collectable styles include the Jordan 8 Retro in Champagne and Bugs Bunny colourways, which resale for around 225 to 500 USD and 200 to 450 USD, respectively.
As one of the first Player Exclusive releases to be made available to the general public, the Sugar Ray colourway originally appeared on the Air Jordan 8 Retro silhouette as an exclusive design for player Ray Allen. A Boston Celtic-inspired colour scheme coats this release. Clover Green coats the inner sock liner, heel tab, midsole, side panel overlays, outer sole accents, the outer sole's Jordan Jumpman logo, the tongue's Jordan Jumpman logo, and the "SUGAR RAY" text on the lateral ankle. The trainer's side panel overlays incorporate a black and Stealth linear design over a Clover background. A Jordan brand signature lace strap overlays the top of this trainer, providing extra support. A padded tongue, padded ankles, and a high-top design offer additional structure and framing for the foot.