The Air Jordan XVI 's were designed by Nike's Senior
Footwear Designer Wilson Smith. This meaning it was
the first design since the III's that Tinker
Hatfield wasn't behind. Hatfield was said to have
moved up and he left Smith with the hard task in
creating a revolutionary new design.
Smith decided
to bring in a few design elements/fabrics from
earlier releases for the Air Jordans XVI. For
instance we saw the return of the clear rubber sole
(V, VI, XI) and they also featured patent leather
(XI).
But what made the Air Jordan XVI 's unique was
the brand new gaiter/shroud that covered the shoe
and that could be removed to give the shoe a brand
new look. Not only was this very stylish, it also
had a thermal functionality.