Where do I start? Who ever said patience is a virtue was wrong when it comes to Jordan collectors. From my last article written earlier this year: Sneaker Rant: Air Jordans - Rest In Peace (R.I.P) ?, it is quite evident that most Air Jordan collectors are “Waiting for Retros ONLY…” (84%, 1,696 Votes).

A few months back, we receive the greatest news we’ve heard this year: the unveiling of the Air Jordan 3 True Blue comeback! Initially, everyone knew they were an international release but we all had our fingers crossed and were almost certain that they would make their way into the states. Unfortunately, that is NOT happening. What is going on with Air Jordan Brand? Last time I checked, this is where it all started… Michael Jordan, the Championships, the history, the legacy… Why are we the ones that are left out?

We are left to the mercy of our international connects who probably won’t even come through! Ebay prices are extremely inflated already ($300+)… Am I the only one that is just a LITTLE bit ticked off about this? I mean don’t get me wrong, I am beyond ecstatic about the Space Jams and the Flu Game 12’s (although not happy about the Nubuck).

The Tinker Hatfield designed Air Jordan 3’s are monumental to the Air Jordan history and are probably the most sought after Jordan’s after the Air Jordan 11’s. It’s very saddening that most of us are going to miss out on one of the greatest releases from the Air Jordan camp this year. By the way, we are giving out a free pair! More info: Free Air Jordan 3 True Blue (Giveaway)

PS: (You guys might agree with me here.) Next time some genius at Jordan Brand wants to make something an International release that won’t be available in the states, please make it an Air Jordan Fusion! Prehaps these: Air Jordan 13 (XIII) Fusion – White / Black – Varsity Red

Do YOU have a sneaker rant? Mad about something? Please email rant@kicksonfire.com

Pictures provided via Canada’s Livestock

Warning: Extreme controversial topic ahead… With 2008 behind us, how many of you guys are concerned about the future of the Air Jordan brand? With the numbered series (Air Jordans 1-23) past its final releases, what can we expect? We have already had a few glimpses of what is to come:

• Air Jordan Fusions (Air Force 1 x Air Jordan)
• Air Jordan Hybrids (Air Jordan True Flights, Air Jordan 6 Rings)
• Air Jordan 2009 (the so-called Air Jordan 24)
• Upcoming Retros

Is the sneaker community buying it? There seem to be much debate and mixed feelings regarding the road map Air Jordan brand has decided to take. As for the Air Jordan Fusion, some OG collectors don’t even regard them as a form of Jordans. While others who enjoy the idea, hold them to be collector items. One thing is for certain, the Fusion concept has definitely boosted a new crowd of Jordan fans to the shoe game. Whether you are a newcommer or a OG sneakerhead, one thing is for sure, the fusions are definitely hurting your bank account. With the wide array of colorways released in such a short period of time, one would be a fool to try to collect them all.

The initial release of the Air Jordan 6 Rings Concords and Air Jordan 6 Rings - Black / Red caused a stir up but then lead to a steep decline in demand with the release (present/future) of some ridiculous color-ways (Championship / Team Colors). What is it with Jordan Brand trying to release one model in 15 different color-ways within 6 months? Back in the days, collectors often found themselves saving up for the next Jordan release (often 3 months apart). Now days, it seems like most collectors are passing on most of the releases. Is the Air Jordan market too over-staurated?

What about the Air Jordan True Flights? Some love the idea of a supercharged version of the Air Jordan 7 while others are filled with groans. Some collectors on sneaker forums even blatanly label the Air Jordan True Flights as “fakes” and “wanna-be”. Definitely not a good way to debut in the sneakerhead community. Meanwhile the crowd that cheers for them can’t get enough. With the release of color-way remnicsent of the Air Jordan 7 classic color-ways such as the: Air Jordan True Flight - White / Court Blue, Air Jordan True Flight - Cardinal, Air Jordan True Flight - Black / Varsity Maize, are collectors going to give in and get their hands on them while they can?

The Air Jordan 2009 is the supposed replacement of the Air Jordan 24. After the discontinuation of the numbered series, every new Jordan will be named according to the release year (Air Jordan 2009, 2010, 2011…). The official unveiling of the Air Jordan 2009 went smoothly but are the Jordan fans sold? Is the Air Jordan 2009 just another Jumpman looking pair which looks like the Air Jordan 23? It’s still a little too early in the game to call out the fate of the Air Jordan 2009. With only a few color-ways floating around the net, the reponses have been filled with undecisivness. Time will tell…

One thing is for sure, whether you are a new collector or an addict, there is no way that you can pass up a Retro during these times. With the bombardment of 100s of color-ways of fusions and hybrids, there is only one way to stay true and safe. Collect OGs or Retros!

Speak YOUR mind. Leave a comment or a complaint!

Our new Sneaker Rant column starts with a very hot topic at hand. The Air Jordan 11 (XI) / Air Jordan 12 (XII) Countdown Package is set to hit stores nationwide on December 20, 2008 (updated). Although they are expected to sell out immediately upon their release even with the economy crisis going on, the editors and members at KicksOnFire are a bit furious at the Jordan Brand. We appreciate the Air Jordan 11 / 12 Package and agree that it is surely the best package of the year but we all have one concern that has been in the back of our minds. Even though, we are all sure that we are definitely going to purchase the package. Why not switch the Air Jordan 11 - Bred color-way with the Air Jordan 11 - Concord?

As the last Air Jordan Countdown Package and obviously the most cheered and significant one, why not release the Air Jordan 11 - Concord? We are in no way against the Air Jordan 11 - Bred color-way but we do realize that sneaker blogs around the net have been filled with reader comments who are asking for the Concord color-way but will settle for the Breds. The Air Jordan 11 / 12 Countdown Package is already a classic package even prior to its release but would it have made an even stronger impact in the sneaker community if the Concords were included? You decide…

What you are thoughts on the issue? Any comments?