The Jordan 18 Retro Yellow Suede Debut
The Air Jordan 18 holds special significance to trainer heads because it symbolizes Michael Jordan's final moments as an NBA player. When MJ joined the Washington Wizards as a player, he signed a two-year contract. By the 2002-2003 season, Jordan's contract was nearing its end, and nothing indicated he would sign on for another season. A third retirement appeared to be imminent.
Along with the launch of the Air Jordan XVIII came a series of print ads and commercials that asked the memorable question, "What is Love?" to which Michael Jordan replies, "Love is playing every game like it's your last." Jordan was making his final bow, which meant the Air Jordan 18 would be the last trainer he wore on the court as a professional basketball player.
Original Air Jordan 18 Colourways
In February 2003, the Air Jordan 18 released the Black/Sport Royal colourway, which incorporated luxurious suede on the upper. White/Sport Royal and White/Varsity Red colourways with premium leather uppers followed.
The Jordan Brand also released two low-top versions and two AJ 18.5s, which shed the built-in lace shroud.
As one of the most vibrant trainers for the Jordan Brand's fall 2018 collection, the Retro Yellow Suede colourway debuted on the Air Jordan 18 silhouette. Its upper features an entirely yellow design coated in soft suede. The shoe's side panels incorporate yellow flaps that hide breathable flaps underneath. Another flap is included in the form of a fold-down shroud over the laces and held in place by a snap closure. Tonal yellow eyelets appear above the shroud for another small accent piece. For a change of pace, the shoe then sits on a TPU midsole that is coated entirely in white. A yellow Jordan Brand Jumpman logo sits below the shoe on the tread, while the text "JORDAN" appears in yellow at the bottom of the heel.
