On the heels of celebrating the 1997-98 Chicago Bulls team watching “The Last Dance,” Jordan Brand is bringing back something from the vault with the Air Jordan 13 “Flint” in original form.
The Flint 13s saw their first retro release in 2005 and again in 2010 but to the displeasure of many Jordan fans, the version from 2010 did not feature reflective stitching woven into the distinctly unique textile upper. All of the flash is back this weekend when the Jordan 13 “Flints” take flight for another dance.
After a series of delays related to COVID, the Air Jordan 13 “Flint” will be available on Saturday, May 30th for $190 in men’s sizes, $140 for big kids, $80 for little kids, and $60 for the rookies.
We will update you with links to buy the Air Jordan 13 “Flint” when they become available. To stay up to date on all new Air Jordan releases, check out our dedicated page to upcoming Air Jordan retros.
Air Jordan 13 Retro “Flint”
Colorway: Navy/Flint Grey-White-University Blue
Style #: 414571-404
Release Date: May 30, 2020
Price: $190
History of Air Jordan 13 “Flint Grey”
In 1997-98, the Air Jordan 13 was released in a total of five original colorways in mid-top form and two low-tops in its original run. Michael Jordan wore four of the five mid-tops in 1997-98 season – the only one he didn’t wear were the Jordan 13 “Flint Grey.” MJ did wear a low-top PE of the AJ13, but he did not wear either of the two OG colorways of the AJ13 low.
The Air Jordan franchise produced a number of Bulls friendly colorways since the very start, but in addition to colors made for Mike to wear in the NBA, Nike and Jordan Brand have also created colorways that were made for off-court wear through the years. The Flint Grey Jordan 13s were one of these that seemed to be a perfect color tone for denim with the shades of navy dominating the upper with Flint Grey on the back.
With a little nod to North Carolina, the AJ13 Flints also sported a UNC colored Air Jordan logo on the tongue.
First For The Brand
Jordan Brand was officially launched in 1996, but the Air Jordan 12 still came in Nike boxes. The Air Jordan 13 was the first model to have its own cardboard with no Nike swoosh anywhere on the shoes and the debut of the silver box which was carried through for the Air Jordan 14 as well.
Reflection & No Reflection
In 2005, just eight years after the initial debut of the Flint Grey Jordan 13, the shoes saw their first retro. Overall, the shape was very close to the original with a slightly higher tongue to the appeasement of many since that was such a signature look for the shoes. Also included on the shoes was a reflective mesh upper that really lit up in flash photos.
Just five years after the first retro, the Flint 13s returned again as a retro release, but this time the shoes had a more muted upper including no reflective material on the mesh upper. This was not well received by collectors and Jordan aficionados.
Fast forward another ten years and the third retro (fourth release) of the Flint AJ13s did see a reflective upper once again just like the OG.
