Michael played on for the Wizards, but his knee didn't quite hold up for all the games. He returned by the end
of the season though and ended his career on April 16th 2003 against the 76ers. This
time I think we can say with certainty that he's not coming back again...
New head designer
Creator of the design of the XVIII was Tate Kuerbis (Jordan Senior Footwear Designer). A person that had
been part of the Jordan footwear design team since 1999 and with Nike since 1995. The inspiration of the design
is a combination fo a number of things; Sleek racing lines of the auto world, Carbon fiber-based monocoque of
F1 race cars, Race car driving shoes (rubber heel wrap) and Fine Italian dress shoes (bold stitching on the soles).
What's next?!?
With the XVII's having had a briefcase and a CD-rom the big question was how the XVIII's could possibly match
this. "What is next?" was the big question for all the sneakerfreaks out there...
Well the XVIII's was no disappointment. With a new Jordan box with a nice cut out 18 with foil behind it and a
new pull-out opening the box itself was just SUPER! Ok, it wasn't a briefcase, but c'mon I'd rather pay $175 than
$200 for AJ's.
Brush and towel
In the package there was also a brush (black suede hi-tops) and a towel included. A great set of tools that
simplifies the cleaning of the shoes.
.5
Both the XVI's and the XVII's had a modified model called "+". With the XVIII's this was taken a little bit further
and a 18.5 was released. The design was pretty similar but the lace cover was lifted off and the Jumpman was brought
forward on the side of the shoe. The 18.5 also featured a plastic pants leg-stopper with the years 1985-2003 written on them.
