The Air Jordan 2010 doesn't drop for a little while yet -- Dwyane Wade is set to debut it on-court during the 2010 All-Star Game in Dallas -- but this seems like a good time to show off the lavishly illustrated book full of sketches and cutaways that Jordan put out to explain some of the thought that went into its construction. The words appear below each image, just in case the scans are too small. Check it out below.


BOTTOM LOADED ZOOM AIR The AJ2010's full-length bottom-loaded Zoom Air borrows from low-profile running shoe cushioning for better court feel and superior agility.


LOW PROFILE The AJ2010 was designed to be lower to the ground with less layers and thinner cushioning for a more responsive shoe in tune with today's hyper-athletic players.


OUTRIGGERS Strategically placed outsole outriggers provide extra support in areas of lateral instability to reduce the risk of ankle injury.


SOCK LINER The cushioned performance sock liner not only feels great on and off the court, but reveals a hint of MJ's beloved Carolina blue through the AJ2010's window.


STACKED HEEL ZOOM AIR Zoom Air units stacked in the heel add a crucial layer of impact protection.


INDEPENDENT FOREFOOT COVER Basketball's first-ever independent forefoot cover increases strength and support, yet flexes easily for smooth, natural movement.


MESH FOREFOOT UNDERLAY The mesh underlay beneath the AJ2010's independent forefoot cover lets toes move freely and breathe like never before.


UPPER The AJ2010's perforated upper is performance engineered to be both breathable and responsive, while representing the iconic style on an Air Jordan.


COLLAR LINING The AJ2010's special collar contains a separately molded stitched-in unit that wraps around ankles for a better fit.


ASYMMETRICAL COLLAR The AJ2010 revives a radical Jordan innovation with a collar that is higher on the inside and lower on the outside for better natural ankle support.


THE WINDOW The AJ2010's transparent signature window provides a sculpted fit and represents MJ's ability to see through his opponents while only selectively revealing his own game.


MIDSOLE MESSAGE The AJ2010's midsole graphic contains a special hidden message from MJ for those who are true about the game.


FLEXIBILITY The flexible AJ2010 offers a more anatomical fit so players can sprint faster.


CONSIDERED The AJ2010 continues Jordan's breakthrough sustainability efforts by being efficiently designed, avoiding harful toxins and using environmentally friendly materials.

[via Dunk CN]