2006 was a monumental year for Air Jordan enthusiasts, with Nike releasing a plethora of iconic sneakers that have since become collector's items. From the Air Jordan XXI to the Retro 7, each release brought something unique to the table. This article delves into the specifics of these releases, providing detailed insights and interesting statistics that you might not have known.
Summary
In 2006, Nike captivated sneaker enthusiasts with a series of iconic Air Jordan releases, including the Air Jordan XXI and various Retro models. This article explores the specifics of these releases, offering detailed insights and lesser-known statistics. Discover why 2006 remains a pivotal year in the history of Air Jordans.
April 2006 Releases
Air Jordan XXI (Air Jordan 21)
Colorway: Black/Flint Grey-White
Notable Features: The Air Jordan XXI was designed with a focus on performance and luxury, featuring a seamless upper and a carbon fiber shank plate for added stability.
Air Jordan Retro 7 L’Style
Colorway: Pearl White/Bright Ceramic-Pacific Blue
Notable Features: This model was a nod to the original Air Jordan 7, which debuted in 1992. The Retro 7 L’Style brought back the classic design with modern colorways.
Jordan Melo 5.5 L’Style
Colorway: White/Pacific Blue-Bright Ceramic
Notable Features: Designed for Carmelo Anthony, this shoe combined elements from the Air Jordan 5 and Air Jordan 6, hence the name 5.5.
Air Jordan Retro 7
Colorway: White/Black-Cardinal Red-Bronze
Notable Features: Another iteration of the Retro 7, this model featured a more subdued color palette compared to the L’Style.
May 2006 Releases
Jordan Trunner LX Premier
Colorway: White/Varsity Purple-Flint Grey
Notable Features: Known for its versatility, the Trunner LX Premier was designed for both training and casual wear.
Jordan Trunner LX Premier Women’s
Colorway: Varsity Red/Black-White
Notable Features: This women’s version offered a more feminine colorway while maintaining the same performance features.
Jordan Trunner LX Premier (Exclusive to Champs)
Colorway: Black/Metallic Silver-Varsity Maize
Notable Features: This exclusive release was available only at Champs stores, making it a rare find for collectors.
Jordan Carmelo 5.5 Low
Colorway: White/University Blue-Black
Notable Features: A low-top version of the Melo 5.5, designed for better ankle mobility.
Air Jordan 4 Retro (Black Cat Pack)
Colorway: White/Metallic Silver-Orange Blaze-Midnight Navy
Notable Features: Part of the Black Cat Pack, this model featured a sleek design with metallic accents.
Air Jordan 4 Retro (Air Jordan IV)
Colorway: Black/Black-Light Graphite
Notable Features: A classic colorway that emphasized the shoe’s iconic silhouette.
Women’s Air Jordan 7 Retro
Colorway: White/Varsity Maize-Black
Notable Features: A women’s exclusive, this model featured a vibrant color scheme.
June 2006 Releases
Air Jordan XXI (Air Jordan 21)
Colorway: White/Metallic Silver-Black
Notable Features: Another colorway of the Air Jordan XXI, offering a cleaner, more classic look.
Notable Features: A classic design with modern updates.
Air Jordan 4 Retro
Colorway: White/Varsity Red-Black
Notable Features: A timeless colorway that remains popular to this day.
Air Jordan V Retro (Limited Release to Urban Accounts & Nike Towns)
Colorway: Black/Metallic Silver-Sport Royal
Notable Features: A limited release, making it a highly sought-after model.
September 2006 Releases
Jordan Show'M
Colorway: White/Metallic Silver-Sport Royal
Notable Features: Known for its sleek design and performance features.
Air Jordan XXI Low (Air Jordan 21 Low)
Colorway: Black/Varsity Red
Notable Features: A low-top version of the Air Jordan XXI, designed for better ankle mobility.
Air Jordan 4 Retro
Colorway: White/Military Blue-Neutral Grey
Notable Features: A classic colorway that remains popular to this day.
Women’s Air Jordan 5 Retro (Sizes 6-11, 12, 13)
Colorway: White/Fire Red-Sunset-Dark Cinder
Notable Features: A women’s exclusive, available in a wide range of sizes.
Air Jordan 5 Retro
Colorway: Silver-Green Bean-Flint Grey
Notable Features: A unique colorway that stood out from the rest.
Air Jordan 5 Retro
Colorway: White/Grape Ice-New Emerald
Notable Features: A vibrant colorway that stood out from the rest.
Jordan Laney 23
Colorway: Black/Metallic Silver-Dark Charcoal
Notable Features: A classic design with modern updates.
October 2006 Releases
Air Jordan XXI "PE" (Air Jordan 21)
Colorway: White/Metallic Silver-Black-Taxi
Notable Features: A player-exclusive model, making it a rare find.
Air Jordan V Retro (Air Jordan 5)
Colorway: White/Sport Royal-Stealth
Notable Features: A classic colorway that remains popular to this day.
Air Jordan V Retro Women’s (Air Jordan 5)
Colorway: Silver/Shy Pink-Stealth
Notable Features: A women’s exclusive, available in a wide range of sizes.
November 2006 Releases
Air Jordan XXI "PE" (Air Jordan 21)
Colorway: Black/Varsity Red-Anthracite
Notable Features: A player-exclusive model, making it a rare find.
Jordan Melo III (Melo 3)
Colorway: Silver/University Blue-White
Notable Features: Designed for Carmelo Anthony, this shoe combined elements from the Air Jordan 5 and Air Jordan 6, hence the name 5.5.
Jordan Melo III (Limited Release)
Colorway: White/University Blue-Metallic Silver
Notable Features: A limited release, making it a highly sought-after model.
December 2006 Releases
Jordan Team 9.5
Colorway: Black/Metallic Silver-Varsity Red
Notable Features: Known for its sleek design and performance features.
Air Jordan Dub Zero
Colorway: White/Obsidian-Neutral Grey-Team Red
Notable Features: A unique design that combined elements from various Air Jordan models.
Air Jordan V Retro (Air Jordan 5)
Colorway: White/Fire Red-Black
Notable Features: A timeless colorway that remains popular to this day.
Interesting Stats
Market Value: As of 2023, some of the 2006 Air Jordan releases have seen a significant increase in market value. For instance, the Air Jordan V Retro in the "Grape" colorway can fetch up to $500 on resale platforms like StockX.
Popularity: According to a 2022 survey by Statista, Air Jordans remain one of the most popular sneaker brands in the United States, with 23% of respondents stating they own at least one pair of Air Jordans.
Cultural Impact: The Air Jordan brand has had a significant cultural impact, influencing not just sports but also fashion and music. For example, the Air Jordan 1 was banned by the NBA in 1985, which only increased its popularity and cultural significance.
The year 2006 was a landmark year for Air Jordan releases, offering a wide range of models and colorways that have since become iconic. Whether you're a collector or a casual fan, the 2006 Air Jordans offer something for everyone. So, as the slogan goes, JUST DO IT.