Some sneakers age quietly, while others wait for the right moment to be understood. The Air Jordan 15 “Obsidian” belongs to the second group, a design that still feels bold years later. That presence keeps it relevant whenever experimental Jordans resurface in conversation.

Released in March 2017, the Air Jordan 15 “Obsidian” draws from the model’s original NASA X-15 inspiration, not the colorway itself. That influence lives in the sharp shape and Kevlar-style woven upper. The deep obsidian finish leads the look, while white accents add clean contrast.

On the design side, texture is the story. The woven construction gives the Air Jordan 15 its armored look and distinct identity. Unlike the original 2000 version, this Air Jordan XV Obsidian dropped forefoot Zoom Air and kept cushioning only in the heel.

That shift quietly changed how the sneaker functions. It moved away from court performance and leaned into lifestyle wear. The Air Jordan 15 retro now feels more like a statement piece than a competition tool.

Compared to other Jordan retros, this model stands apart for its risk-taking. Most Jordans lean into heritage styling. The Air Jordan 15 “Obsidian” instead reflects a moment when Jordan Brand explored futuristic design without compromise.

For collectors, that makes the Jordan 15 more than a revisit. It signals a design era that pushed boundaries even when opinions were divided. That approach still feels rare in today’s safer retro cycles.

The Air Jordan 15 “Obsidian” originally released in March 2017 and is available now through resale marketplaces like StockX.

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