The Vibrant Jordan 10 Retro DB Sample Doernbecher
"I'm back." With those words in 1995, Michael Jordan ended his brief retirement and stepped back on the court to dominate again. Fans worldwide were elated, and MJ quickly returned to top form donning the Air Jordan 10 in the Chicago colourway. The number 23 was gone, replaced by 45, but trainer heads knew the AJ 10 was a number worth owning.
The Story Behind the Air Jordan X Design
Although MJ never wore the previous iteration, the Air Jordan IX, on the court, they were designed while he was still suiting up as a Chicago Bull. Air Jordan designer Tinker Hatfield, who led the creations of the Jordan III through IX models, wanted the post-retirement X to signify a highlight reel of Jordan's most significant achievements from each of his seasons in the NBA. Like banners hanging from the rafters, the AJ 10's sole featured ten milestones representing Jordan the man and Air Jordan the shoe:
- 85 ROOKIE OF YEAR
- 86 63 POINTS
- 87 SCORING TITLE
- 88 DUNK CHAMP
- 89 ALL DEFENSE
- 90 SCORES 63 POINTS
- 91 MVP/CHAMPIONSHIP
- 92 MVP/CHAMPIONSHIP
- 93 MVP/CHAMPIONSHIP
- 94 BEYOND
This striking Air Jordan 10 Retro Mid Top was designed by a haemophiliac patient by the name of Daniel Pena, who subsequently gave his shoe blood-red touches. It was made in collaboration with the Nike Doernbecher Freestyle 2013 program, with earnings donated to The Doernbecher Children's Hospital. Pena's BMX bike provides the inspiration behind the red tire-tread print on the eyestay and heel tab while the glossy camouflage was inspired by video games. The Air Jordan Doernbecher sports a translucent sole of purple and red. The designer's initials, "DP," grace the ankle upper, and the red Jumpman also makes an appearance at various places on this Air Jordan sample.