My .02 for where each model currently is, 1-14.
1: 85’ cut is good enough for me. It’s not totally a 1:1 of the actual 85’s but close enough.
2: I can’t say I really like these enough to care. But I do have the black/cements, and these seem to be near identical to the OG 2’s in terms of shape, height, profile, etc.
3: 3’s are fine as they are imo. Not much else they can do with them. Maybe make them a little taller? Idk. This model is currently in the best shape of all the old Jordans though.
4: They are FINALLY getting to a point of being acceptable, or even pretty good. All the pics of people getting their MB’s have me more excited for a 4 release than ever before, or at least since 99’.
5: tongue, tongue, tongues. Did I say tongues? Yea. Those need fixin. Ankle bubbles are too big also. Toe isn’t too bad but still not quite where it should be. Definitely plenty of room for improvements.
6: the 6 is in pretty good shape overall. Needs taller tongues, and the toebox could still use a slight improvement.
7: 7’s are in a great place overall if the recent Cardinals are the new standard. They just need to retro more OG’s already, most of them are pretty long overdue.
8: like the 7, they are in a great spot. Only complaint I have is the back pull tabs are still too small.
9: they are getting better. Recent Powders are a good retro but still a ways to go. Higher mudguard, bigger jumpman, and still some corrections to the toe profile are needed.
10: we don’t get many of these anymore, but the last retros were pretty spot on to the OG as far as I could tell. Someone correct me if I’m wrong.
11: 11’s are in a great spot with just small improvements needed. I’d LOVE to see Concords, Breds, and Jams comeback again with that angular OG toe box. #23 on the Cords, and the correct shade of red on the Breds outsole. That candy apple red on the OG is everything. Wouldn’t mind thicker patent cuts either but probably asking for too much. All in all this model is in a very good spot.
12: shape is getting better but still a ways to go on that bulky build the OG had. Also, they need to start using better leather on these. Recent white/reds are a good retro but they didn’t knock it out of the park quite like the Playoff 13…
13: last Playoffs were outstanding. Not perfect to the OG, but VERY close. Use better leather, make the toe just A LITTLE lower, and refine the wrapping panels that go to the back of the shoe slightly, and you basically have the OG. Next black/reds MUST have this mold AND the correct shade of red!! Bred 13’s are one of my grails and how the next release turns out is super critical for me.
14: shape is off a bit on these still, they lack that aerodynamic, sleek look the og has, though they aren’t as bad as say the 9’s. Collar height and toe need the biggest changes imo.
I was working at Champs too, I really could have picked out my own pair, but I was looking out for the homies. I think the cool greys actually had it the most consistent. (I know this isn’t the 11’s thread, I’m not trying to derail)
. We didn’t usually look at details like that back then but I saw it clear as day.
