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Backstory of the Jordan Dub Zero
In 2005, things were a bit different for the Jordan Brand as Michael Jordan delved deeper into his final retirement and subsequently became a bit more removed from the newer generation of NBA fans. However, with a formidable roster of talent including Carmelo Anthony and Ray Allen, the Jordan Brand seemed poised to properly celebrate the 20th signature of the Air Jordan lineage.
With the impending release of the Air Jordan XX, which would ultimately celebrate the illustrious career of Michael Jordan and the Air Jordan collection. A hybrid would spawn, which happened to become the Jordan Dub Zero, and would ultimately celebrate the legacy of legendary sneaker designer Tinker Hatfield.
Legend also has it that the original name of the Jordan Dub Zero was the Jordan Decoy as the shoe was designed to keep hackers and imitators from discovering the very top-secret Air Jordan XX design prior to its formal launch.
Year In Review: 2005
Before venturing deep into the history of the Jordan Dub Zero, it is imperative to understand the time in which this model was initially released, back in 2005. First and foremost, the New England Patriots cemented their dynasty of the early 2000s as a victory in Super Bowl XXXIX captured their second consecutive Lombardi trophy and their third Super Bowl title in four years. In addition, the San Antonio Spurs defeated the defending champion Detroit Pistons in the 2005 NBA Finals and the Christopher Nolan-era of the Batman trilogy began with the theatrical release of Batman Begins.
Jordan Dub Zero
As mentioned previously, the Jordan Dub Zero was a commemorative model looking to pay homage to the legendary Air Jordan lineage, as well as celebrate the work and legacy of Tinker Hatfield. Constructed with a mid-cut variation, the Jordan Dub Zero incorporates distinct features from over eight different Air Jordan silhouettes, five of which Jordan captured NBA titles in.
What Models Are Featured Within the Jordan Dub Zero?
As previously alluded to, the Jordan Dub Zero features cues from eight different Air Jordan silhouettes, which come together to create a very eclectic model. Those cues include the midsole and sole drawing inspiration from the Air Jordan 4, the pull tab coming from the Air Jordan 6, patent leather detailing throughout, obviously coming from the Air Jordan 11.
In addition, the Jordan Dub Zero builds upon the design by utilizing “T W O 3” branding down the tongue as seen within the Air Jordan 12, the upper is shaped like the Air Jordan 13 and lastly woven, chrome and laser detailing derive from the muse of the Air Jordan 15, 17, and 20, respectively.
Legacy of the Jordan Dub Zero
The legacy of the Jordan Dub Zero remains very niche as this model has rarely been sported on a consistent basis by some of the NBA’s elite. However, arguably the most memorable moment of the aforementioned model belonged to Syracuse’s Gerry McNamara who dominated the 2006 Big East Tournament in which he secured MOP Honors by tallying 65 points through its entirety and helping the ‘Cuse garner an elusive Big East championship.
In addition to Gerry McNamara’s defining moment, the Jordan Dub Zero has been spotted on several players such as SMU’s Nic Moore and the Detroit Pistons standout center Andre Drummond. With five initial colorways releasing back in 2005, and subsequent releases in 2015 such as the “Wolf Grey” model, the Jordan Dub Zero will surely remain in consumers’ presence for the foreseeable future and could potentially become a mainstay going forward.
