The Air Jordan 16 was released on Michael Jordan 38th birthday February 17 2001. This was the first Jordan not designer by Tinker Hatfield. The Jordan 16 was designed by Nikes senior footwear designer Wilson Smith. The inspiration of the Air Jordan 16 came from previous versions of the Jordan sneaker. The inspiration came from the Air Jordan 5, Air Jordan 6, and Air Jordan 11. The Jordan 16 design featured clean soles, a gaiter / shroud that cover the front of the shoe. The gaiter / shroud of the Jordan 16 could be removed to give the Jordan sneaker a new look.