Jordan Brand Unveils the Air Jordan XX8 [Photos]

What a way to close out the year. Last night (December 3), Jordan Brand unveiled the Air Jordan XXVIII (28), which is said to be the most technologically advanced shoe in the franchise to date. At a private showing inside NYC's Skylight West, Spike Lee, New York Knicks' Carmelo Anthony, Oklahoma City Thunder's Russell Westbrook, Jordan Brand President Larry Miller and the brand's shoe designer Tinker Hatfield were all on deck to debut the 28th shoe in the Jordan franchise.

The presentation kicked off with "new and old" president of the Jordan Brand Larry Miller who went on to introduce proud Brooklyn native Spike Lee. From there, the avid Knicks fan shared the stage with Carmelo for a discussion that touched on everything from the famous New York franchise, training and Bernard King (Melo's favorite player). Jordan Brand also announced that a major donation will be given to the Red Hook Initiative in light of Hurricane Sandy.

Soon after, everyone was advised to head upstairs for the big unveiling—which Spike accidentally spilled the beans on. With every Air Jordan model on display throughout the floor and a quick video montage, the room was soon introduced to the XX8s. Spike Lee later returned and brought out the shoe architect Tinker Hatfield who spoke on the process behind making the sneaker. "The Jordan was the first shoe to have that cut, between a high top and a low top," explained Tinker about the style and cut of the shoe. "We played around all these years and I thought 'we’re going to do it again'. This is the first one to be a eight inch tall basketball shoe, The first basketball shoe that tall."

The XX8 features a modern stealth design for high performance and is said to be the most tested and lightest shoe in the franchise "ever." It also comes with the Jordan Flight Plate, a stretch-Pebax® moderator plate which maximizes the response to the Nike Zoom cushioning. "The sole helps," said Jordan Brand Developer Josh Heard. "We have a moderator plate on top that eliminates any bumps or hot spots underneath the foot so it's moderated all the way through and you get that nice, comfortable, smooth feel."

Fans can expect to the Air Jordan XX8 to drop in Houston on February 15th (for the All Star Game) and then nationwide on Saturday, February 15th for $250.