Air Jordan XX3
Wednesday, January 9th, 2008 
Air Jordan XX3 - what is rumoured to be the last edition of the popular Nike running shoe because of Michael Jordan’s iconic number - is set to be released over the next month or so. You can expect to pay $185 to $230 US (whatever that means these days) for a pair, depending on whether you line up for the limited edition or wait for the national launch.
If you hate having to pay over $100 for your kids’ running shoes, you can blame Michael Jordan. Prior to the launch of Air Jordan I in 1985, running shoes were relatively cheap. It’s the Air Jordans that took us over the $100 threshold.
If you’re nostalgic for the plain, white running shoe and feel nauseous by all the kaleidoscope-coloured shoes on the market, you can blame Air Jordans. The black and red shoes were initially band by the NBA because they didn’t conform to the white standard (Isn’t that what Martin Luther King, Jr. was marching against?). Jordan was fined $5000 per game for wearing them - a cost happily burdened by Nike.
By the way, if you still have your original Air Jordans from 1985, they could be worth thousands of dollars to collectors - if your dog hasn’t chewed them (see The Dog Ate My Homework posting from January 4th).
Have you ever owned a pair of Air Jordans? Would you buy the XX3 edition? What’s the most you’ve ever paid for shoes? Leave your thoughts in the reply section below and don’t forget to check back later for responses.
Today’s Jack Nation bonus code - just for clicking on my blog - is XX3. You have until January 10th to enter it and score 100 points!