Lately many of the re-issued Air Jordans are being produced with minor yet dauntingly noticeable changes, like the switch from leather to mesh on the upcoming Air Jordan XIII ‘Altitude. Sneakerheads have opined, in several differing viewpoints, regarding the alterations; some lament the brand’s decision and point to a lack of continuity, while others seem to take it in stride, perhaps suggesting the newer releases as an attempt to preserve what’s already out there, leaving the originals for those who were “in the game” the first time around.
The upcoming limited released of the Altitude XIII features the most obvious change – swapping out the leather-uppered dimple shroud to a ballistic mesh. The only other change, as noted in this great comparison by SoleCollector, lies in the shade of Altitude Green on the bottom sole; the 2010 version appears to be a brighter hue than the 2005 version. Outside of the updated Jordan box and lack of a Retro card, everything else about the shoe appears to be consistent with the original 2005 version. Take a look at the gallery of comparison shots after the jump and let us know which version – mesh or leather – you prefer.