Air Jordan XIII is known for MJ’s continued success during the 1997-98 season: Chicago won its sixth championship, and MJ earned his 10th league scoring title. He also wore the XIII during the playoffs (but switched to the XIV for the end of the postseason). This understated jewel was also seen in Spike Lee’s “He Got Game,” which inspired the “Black Toe” nickname for the White/True Red/Black colorway.
The Black Cat
Because of Jordan’s lightning-quick reflexes, the ability to anticipate his opponents’ moves, and his tenacious on-court performance, Jordan Brand designer Tinker Hatfield compared MJ to a black panther. Ironically enough, Jordan’s friends were referring to him as the ‘Black Cat” for similar reasons. Panther-inspired details are seen throughout both the original and Retro 13: A hologram on the collar resembles a panther’s eye, flip the shoes over and the pods that stretch slightly outward resemble a panther paw.
Honoring the OG
Thirteen was retroed in 2004, calling on famous colorways from the kick’s OG release. The original collection included colorways that are as on-trend today as they were in 1998. Red/White “Playoff,” Black/Chutney, Navy/University Blue/Flint Grey/White, Black/True Red, and Black/True Red/White.
Mid- and low-cut versions have been popular since the original was released in five mid-top colorways and two lows. That trend continues with low- and mid-top Retro 13s receiving an enthusiastic reception. In addition to its catlike design, Retro 13 is said to be one of the most comfortable shoes in the Jordan line.
