Its hard to believe that the Original Flint XIII’s are now 12 years old and everyone is now anticipating the third release of this legendary color combo. As with all retro’s there have been changes and to some its enough to keep you from buying. For those that haven’t owned the original, or the 2005 retro for that matter we thought we would help in your decision regarding your purchase.
The 1998 Version, as with most Jordan’s of the 90’s was made well. The shoe was nicely padded, featured a hologram on the rear of the shoe that really popped in a bright green. The white leather used was very soft, and the inside of the shoe made you feel at home with ample width and padding. Some 7 years later for 2005, everyone (including myself) was really amped to see these again only to be disappointed. I had to return these twice for sizing and quality issues, the tongue on the 2004 version was to long, thinly padded and poorly put together. The padding on the inside and outside of the shoe was gone and so was the ample width and padding inside the shoe. The vibrant green that adorned the hologram of the originals was gone. The shape of the shoe was also altered making it appear awkward and a shell of its former self. The biggest issue with the 2005 retro was the nasty looking brown glue that tended to leak out of the midsole over time (not something you want to see in a shoe you spent 150+ dollars on.) Before you go out and pick up your pair be sure to check out the pictures below, enjoy.
The 2010 version. So it appears that the shoe has shed a few more pounds for 2010 and color altered again. Sometimes people ask what the big deal is. There is usually a debate between young and old, those that think there isn’t a problem because your going to wear them but heres the problem. Each retro is watered down more and more, yet some how the price keeps climbing. Comfort is diminished, the shoe begins to look different, and even fake in some instances. From 1999-2002 Nike and Jordan Brand were able to make retro’s with quality, comfort and good looks while retaining that OG feel. Fast forward to 2010 and its just a different story across the board.
1998 Original
2005 Retro
2010 Retro
Nasty Looking Brown Glue That Was Prone To Leaking Out Of The 2005 Retro’s
