The Design of the Jordan 19 OG Midwest
When Michael Jordan retired from the Washington Wizards in 2003, it wasn’t the first time he had retired from basketball. It wasn’t even the second time! But this time it stuck. Jordan was 40 years old and ready to pursue other interests and promote his clothing brand. Perhaps it’s no surprise, then, that one of Air Jordan’s most forward-thinking editions was released the following year in the form of the Air Jordan 19.
Cultural Significance of the AJ 19
The Air Jordan 19 was the first model released after MJ’s final retirement. While Mike himself may never have had the chance to wear them on the court, the Air Jordan 19 has seen a lot of game time. Stars including Carmelo Anthony, Ray Allen and Jason Kidd have all worn the 19 in play.
Besides their appearance in professional games, Air Jordan 19s have also been featured on television, most notably in an episode of the Damon Wayans-headed show, My Wife and Kids, in which Wayans’ character, Mike, steals them from Jordan’s hotel room and later wears them to play against MJ himself, who makes a cameo appearance.
Jordan 19 OG Midwest 2004
The Midwest is one of five colorways that were released for the Jordan 19 in 2004. It has a white upper with a glossy red overlay hugging the tip and extending up to the top. Hits of silver appear at the outsole's forefoot and the Jumpman logo on the side of the heel. A Techflex shroud, adjustable via a Velcro strap, covers the shoelaces. The lacing system underneath offers speed lacing. Premium leather and patent leather are other materials that went into making the Jordan 19 OG Midwest. The heel features a Zoom Air unit on top of full-length Zoom Air. A Phylon midsole encapsulates the full-length Zoom Air. For traction, these sneakers rely on a double-layered herringbone pattern.