Chloe Zhang
The plastic thing on Jordans is a plastic lace lock, which was first introduced with the Air Jordan 5 in 1990. This plastic piece anchored the laces at the top of the tongue, serving as a functional lace lock to keep the tops of the laces in place during physical activities. It also added a stylistic flair, with some people choosing to use it as a form of adornment or customization. The lace lock has made a few reappearances in subsequent Air Jordan releases, including the Air Jordan VI, which featured a slightly bigger lace lock with the Jumpman logo.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To keep the tops of the laces in place while running, jumping, or dunking |
| Function | A lace lock to harness laces through and keep ankles secure |
| Style | A piece of flair or adornment |
| Design | A translucent "cylinder" anchoring the laces at the top of the tongue |
| Branding | The Jumpman logo on the Air Jordan VI |
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What You'll Learn
The plastic lace lock
While the lace lock may not have been necessary for all wearers, it added a unique touch to the design, making it a memorable aspect of the Air Jordan 5. The subsequent release of the Air Jordan VI featured a slightly larger lace lock with the Jumpman logo, emphasising the adornment's role in enhancing the shoe's aesthetic appeal.
The lace lock is just one example of how the Air Jordan line has utilised plastic elements in its design. Other models, such as the Air Jordan IV, have featured plastic mesh, plastic heel tabs, and plastic grid patterns, showcasing the versatility of plastic in sneaker design.
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Plastic mesh on the Air Jordan X
The Air Jordan line of sneakers has had several iterations with plastic components. The Air Jordan V, released in 1990, featured a translucent plastic "cylinder" anchoring the laces at the top of the tongue, functioning as a lace lock to keep the tops of the laces in place. The Air Jordan VI featured a slightly larger lace lock with the Jumpman logo on it. The Air Jordan IV was the first in the line to feature mesh, with a plastic grid pattern laid over the breathable mesh and a plastic heel tab that read "Nike Air". The Air Jordan 1 High x Off-White "Chicago" colourway is made of a mix of leather and polyurethane reinforced with plastic mesh and mesh on the toebox.
The Air Jordan X has not been explicitly mentioned in the sources provided, but it is likely that it also features plastic components in its design, given the presence of plastic in several Air Jordan models. However, without specific information on the Air Jordan X, it is challenging to provide precise details about the plastic mesh on this particular model.
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Plastic wrap for preservation
The plastic "thing" on Jordans is a lace lock, a small plastic cylinder that anchors the laces at the top of the tongue. It was introduced with the Air Jordan 5 in 1990 and has since made a few comebacks. Now, onto the topic of plastic wrap for preservation.
Plastic wrap, also known as cling film or food wrap, is a thin plastic film used to seal and preserve food items. It is typically made from low-density polyethylene (LDPE) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and provides a protective barrier against air, moisture, and contaminants, helping to maintain the quality and freshness of food. Plastic wrap can be used in various ways, such as sealing containers, wrapping individual portions, or preventing freezer burn on frozen foods. It is also useful for reducing food waste and extending the shelf life of perishable items.
In addition to its food preservation properties, plastic wrap can also be used in first aid as a dressing for burns. However, there have been concerns about the potential health risks associated with using plastic wrap, particularly regarding the leaching of chemicals into food. While substances used to make plastics can leach into food, the FDA considers the amount of substance migration and the toxicological profile of the chemical during the approval process.
To enhance the preservation properties of plastic wrap, manufacturers may add ingredients like biofilms. These biofilms are specifically designed to increase the food preservation capabilities of the wrap. However, plastic wrap intended for home use may also contain an ingredient that helps the plastic stick to itself, but it typically does not contain additional ingredients like biofilms. The FDA regulates packaging materials that come into contact with food through a premarket notification process, ensuring that safety requirements are met.
While plastic wrap can be useful for preservation and protection, it is important to use it properly and follow the manufacturer's directions, especially when microwaving or heating food. Additionally, it is recommended to avoid direct contact between plastic wrap and food during the heating process as a precautionary measure.
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Plastic aglets
Aglets are necessary for laces to prevent braided materials from unwinding. While metal aglets are considered a style statement, plastic aglets are more common and serve the same purpose. Plastic aglets are also known as lace locks, and they are used to keep the tops of your laces in place while you are running or jumping. The plastic lace lock was introduced by Jordan Brand with the launch of the Air Jordan 5 in 1990. The shoe was an instant classic, and the plastic lace lock, a translucent "cylinder" anchoring the laces at the top of the tongue, was a mind-blowing innovation for its time. It served both a practical function and a decorative one, as it was a popular adornment in the early 90s. Jordan Brand brought back the lace lock a few more times, including with the Air Jordan VI, which featured a slightly bigger lace lock with the Jumpman logo.
The use of plastic aglets provides both functionality and customization for shoelaces. They serve the practical purpose of keeping laces from fraying and unwinding while also offering a decorative element that can enhance the style of sneakers. Plastic aglets can be found on iconic shoe models like the Air Jordan 5 and continue to be a popular accessory for shoe enthusiasts. With the availability of various options in the market, consumers can choose from a range of colours, materials, and designs to suit their preferences and individualize their footwear.
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Plastic heel tab
The "plastic thing" on Jordans is known as a lace lock, a plastic piece anchoring the laces at the top of the tongue of the shoe. It was first introduced with the Air Jordan 5 in 1990 and served the practical function of keeping the tops of the laces in place. Beyond its utility, the lace lock was also a stylistic choice, allowing wearers to adorn their shoes with an extra piece of flair.
The lace lock has since made a return in various Jordan Brand releases, including the Air Jordan VI, which featured a slightly bigger lace lock with the Jumpman logo. The lace lock was also included in Jordan Brand's collaboration with filmmaker Spike Lee, continuing the "bigger is better" progression.
In addition to the lace lock, another plastic component found on Jordans is the heel tab. The heel tab is a feature located at the back of the shoe, often featuring the Nike Air insignia or the Jumpman logo. Like the lace lock, the heel tab can be customised and replaced, allowing individuals to change the appearance of their shoes.
The process of replacing the heel tab involves first removing the old back tab with a seam ripper, being cautious to avoid damaging the material underneath. Once removed, the old tab can be set aside, and the new tab can be attached using a heat gun to activate the glue and secure the new tab in place. This simple modification can make a significant difference in the appearance of the shoe, offering a customisation option for Jordan enthusiasts.
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Frequently asked questions
The plastic thing on Jordans is a lace lock, used to keep the tops of your laces in place.
The lace lock serves a practical purpose by keeping your ankles secure while wearing the shoes.
Yes, aside from its practical function, the lace lock is also a stylistic choice, adding a unique flair to the shoes.
Yes, certain models of Jordans, such as the Air Jordan IV, feature plastic mesh, plastic heel tabs, and plastic grid patterns.
Wrapping Jordans in plastic is sometimes done by stores to protect the shoes from dirt, spills, and oxygen exposure before purchase.
