Release date: February 2001 Head Designer: Wilson Smith III The Air Jordan 16 was released on February 17, 2001 - Jordan's 38th birthday. This shoe was the first that was not the work of Tinker Hatfield in over a decade, yet it brought together the best pieces of shoes Tinker designed. But what made the Air Jordan 16 (XVI) special 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 for stylish purposes, it also had a thermal functionality. The shoe was a little stiff and to wear the shroud/gaiter when playing basketball really wasn’t a good idea, as it pretty easily could fall off. The black/red and white/mn navy both featured patent leather which very easily got creased and cracked. Best for playing in were the one’s without patent leather, for sure… The overall design was great and it’s great to see a new designer put his foot forward. Hopefully we’ll see Wilson Smith involved in the work with coming designs. Possibly, he will bring Air Jordan lovers more expectations.