2003: The VIII was first retroed in 2003, and is easily one of the most anticipated retros ever released. Nike kept it short and sweet with this release, as there were only four colorways released in total – two mids and two lows. This was the first the VIII ever got a low-top makeover – in an original colorway no less. A unique thing about these is the trademark straps were altered a bit. Instead of both straps being able to be undone, only one is able to be unlatched on the low-top version.

2007: Backed by Kanye West, Jordan Brand finally re-released the extremely popular “Aqua” colorway in 2007 for the first time since its original release just after the 1993 NBA All-Star Game. Only this time, a women’s version was released as well. People are still clamoring for these to be re-released again.

2008: The VIII made another comeback, this time as a one half of the Jordan 8/15 Countdown Pack. This very limited pack commemorated the countdown to the release of the Air Jordan XX3. This release also brought the third and final original colorway to market.

2010: As part of Jordan Brand’s fusion series, 2010 saw the release of the Air Jordan Fusion 8. Mixing the VIII with the Nike Air Force 1, white leather was used for the upper, including the crisscrossing straps. Perforation was also added to the mid-panel with AF1 midsole. And of course, the classic carpeted Jumpman logo was in place on the tongue.

2011: Due in part to the scarcity of original VIIIs over the past couple of years, reception for the Air Jordan 8.0 has been extremely positive. And if the Air Jordan 2.0 was a refashioning of the original, then the 8.0 represents an extreme makeover. Completely re-tooled, utilizing a brand new midsole, Flywire stabilization and a Hyperfuse-like no-sew upper, these were clearly made in the 21st century. The cross straps have remained, but the shoe is now lower, sleeker and a lot less bulky than the original. To date, seven colorways of the 8.0 have dropped, with the “Aqua” being released on Jan. 7, 2012.

This story was originally published on Foot Locker Unlocked.

What’s your favorite colorway or iteration of the Air Jordan VIII?

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