The Nike Air Jordan Retro 17 was released in 2002. Air Jordan 17 Retro were equipped with a gaiter/shroud that was removable and that would cover almost more than half of the shoe, Air Jordans 17 were no worse. With a removable midfoot cover you were once again given the power to choose whether or not the laces should be visible! Nike Jordan XVII Shoes was the first shoe released since Jordan's 2nd return to the NBA playing for the Washington Wizards. So air jordan 17 is the first color to release matched their jersey.