The history of Air Jordans spans over the years, with the iconic basketball player Michael Jordan, the man behind these legendary shoes, being the 3rd pick in the 1984 draft. Jordan's journey began in North Carolina, where his love for basketball blossomed under the influence of a supervisor at General Electric named James. Despite initial setbacks, such as not making the varsity team in high school, Jordan's determination and hard work fueled his rise to stardom.
1984: Air Jordan I
Michael Jordan had a remarkable rookie season, earning accolades such as being named an All-Star and Rookie of the Year. He played a pivotal role in leading the Chicago Bulls back to the playoffs after a four-year absence. One iconic moment during his early career was when Jordan wore the Air Jordan 1 in the red/white/black colorway. In a memorable performance in the 1986 playoffs, he scored a playoff-high of 63 points against the Boston Celtics, showcasing his incredible skill and making a lasting mark on basketball history.
1987: Air Jordan II
The Air Jordan II, designed by the legendary Nike designer Bruce Kilgore, became an emblem of basketball luxury during the 1980s. Notable for its Italian craftsmanship, the Air Jordan II boasted a distinctive faux lizard print, a unique swoosh-less upper, and unparalleled quality in its construction. Kilgore's design reflected a commitment to high-performance standards, making the Air Jordan II a symbol of both style and functionality for elite athletes.
1988: Air Jordan III
The introduction of iconic elements such as the Jumpman logo, elephant print, and visible air marked a groundbreaking moment in the Jordan line's history. The Air Jordan III, designed by Tinker Hatfield, became an instant classic, showcasing innovation and creativity that played a crucial role in persuading Michael Jordan to stay with Nike. Notably, Jordan sported the Air Jordan III during the 1988 All-Star Weekend, securing victory in the Slam Dunk Contest and further solidifying the shoe's status as a symbol of excellence.
1989: AIr Jordan IV
The Air Jordan IV made a significant impact by introducing nubuck to the Air Jordan line. Notably, Michael Jordan wore the AJIV during a historic moment, hitting "The Shot" over Craig Ehlo in the 1989 Playoffs. The AJIV also gained visibility in iconic Spike Lee Mars Blackmon commercials and featured prominently in the movie "Do the Right Thing," becoming a cultural symbol beyond the basketball court.
1990: Air Jordan V
Inspired by a World War II plane, the Air Jordan V showcased distinctive features such as an asymmetrical collar and a translucent outsole. It notably became the first basketball shoe to adopt the eye-catching purple and teal color scheme. During the time Michael Jordan wore the Air Jordan V, he achieved remarkable success, being elected to his sixth consecutive All-Star Game and securing his fourth consecutive league scoring title.
1991: Air Jordan VI
The Air Jordan VI holds a special place among fans as one of the most beloved Air Jordans. Notably, Michael Jordan wore the VI when securing his first NBA Championship ring. Beyond the basketball court, the VI gained pop culture recognition as it was worn by Jerry Seinfeld in his iconic sitcom, "Seinfeld." Additionally, a boot version of the Air Jordan VI was featured in the Batman movie starring Michael Keaton, showcasing the shoe's influence beyond the realm of sports.
1992: Air Jordan VII
The Air Jordan VII, inspired by the Huarache, played a significant role in Michael Jordan's career. He wore the AJ VII during his second NBA Championship season and prominently in the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, where he led the legendary "Dream Team" to a gold medal. The shoe gained additional recognition with the "Hare Jordan" nickname, inspired by a poster featuring Bugs Bunny alongside Michael Jordan. This collaboration with the iconic cartoon character further contributed to the cultural impact of the Air Jordan VII.
1993: Air Jordan VIII
In 1993, Michael Jordan achieved a historic milestone by winning his third NBA championship, marking the first 'three-peat' of his illustrious career. Coinciding with this achievement, the Air Jordan VIII was launched in February of the same year. This edition, the heaviest in the Air Jordan line up to that point, featured vibrant color accents along the heel, midsole, and outsole. The design reintroduced the padded collar from the Huarache style of the VII and brought back the inner booty sock. Notably, the marketing campaign for the Air Jordan VIII featured the return of Bugs Bunny. An interesting aesthetic touch was the unique carpeted circular Jumpman logo on the tongue, a distinctive feature exclusive to this model in the Jordan line.
1993: Air Jordan IX
The Air Jordan IX marked a significant moment in Michael Jordan's career as it symbolized his global impact on the sport. The shoe is commemorated on the Michael Jordan statue outside the United Center in Chicago, serving as a tribute to its cultural significance. Additionally, the Air Jordan IX showcased its versatility as it was adapted into a cleat when Michael Jordan briefly pursued a career in minor league baseball, further highlighting its presence across different athletic arenas.
1994: Air Jordan X
The Air Jordan X holds a special place in Michael Jordan's comeback to the NBA. It was the shoe he wore when he returned to the basketball court, notably during a game against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden where he scored an impressive 55 points. The Air Jordan X also featured a popular City Series in 1995, highlighting five different NBA cities in its design, adding a unique and city-specific touch to the iconic sneaker line.
1995: Air Jordan XI
The Air Jordan 11 is celebrated as one of the greatest sneakers of all time, as acknowledged by Sole Collector Magazine. This iconic model introduced several groundbreaking elements, including a mesh upper, a translucent outsole, and a revolutionary patent leather toe rand. Michael Jordan notably wore the AJ11 during the filming of the movie Space Jam and throughout the Chicago Bulls' historic 72-win NBA Championship season, adding to its legendary status in both sports and pop culture.
1996: Air Jordan XII
The Air Jordan XII drew inspiration from a women's fashion shoe and the Japanese flag, incorporating distinctive elements like faux reptile print on the side of the toe and a full-length visible carbon shank on the outsole. Notably, Michael Jordan wore the AJ12 during the iconic "Flu Game," where he scored 38 points while battling illness, and also while securing his fifth NBA title. This model showcases a fusion of style and performance, contributing to its significance in the Air Jordan lineup.
1997: Air Jordan XIII
Drawing inspiration from a black panther, the Air Jordan XIII features a whisker-inspired upper, a paw-like outsole, and pods on the midsole, creating a distinctive design. The hologram on the upper heel represents the eye of a panther, adding a unique touch to the shoe's aesthetics. Michael Jordan sported the AJXIII during his sixth NBA title run with the Bulls, making this model a part of his historic journey on the basketball court.
1998: Air Jordan XIV
Taking inspiration from a Ferrari, the Air Jordan 14 holds significance as the last shoe that Michael Jordan wore as a Chicago Bull. In his final game with the Bulls, MJ sported the Black/Red colorway of the AJ14. The iconic moment occurred as he made the "Last Shot" over Bryon Russell, securing the Bulls' second three-peat and their sixth NBA Championship. The Air Jordan 14, with its design inspired by luxury sports cars, became synonymous with the concluding chapter of Michael Jordan's remarkable career with the Chicago Bulls.
1999: Air Jordan XV
Tinker Hatfield's inspiration for the Air Jordan 15 came from the X-15 fighter plane, resulting in a unique and aerodynamic design. The shoe featured a distinctive shape, and its upper was constructed using woven Kevlar, a material known for its strength and durability. The Air Jordan 15 was released with player-exclusive colorways during the 1999-2000 NBA season, showcasing its avant-garde design and technical features influenced by aerospace elements.
2001: Air Jordan XVI
Designed by Wilson Smith III, the Air Jordan 16 marked Michael Jordan's transition from player to executive. The shoe featured a patent leather toe, blow-molded heel, and a translucent outsole, combining both performance and style. As part of the Air Jordan legacy, the design of the Air Jordan 16 reflected Michael Jordan's influence on and off the court, showcasing a fusion of innovative elements.
2002: Air Jordan XVII
Designed by Wilson Smith III, the Air Jordan 17 drew inspiration from jazz and an Aston Martin car. Released in a distinctive metal case with an interactive DVD, the Air Jordan 17 offered a unique presentation. Michael Jordan wore the AJ17 during his comeback with the Washington Wizards, adding a chapter to the shoe's legacy as part of his basketball journey.
2003: Air Jordan XVIII
Designed by Tate Kuerbis, the Air Jordan 18 showcased a one-piece upper inspired by sleek racing lines. Released with a unique presentation, the AJ18 came in a box with a number 18 cut out, accompanied by a driving manual booklet. Michael Jordan wore the Air Jordan 18 during his final season in the NBA, marking the shoe's place in the concluding chapter of his illustrious career.
2004: Air Jordan XIX
Taking inspiration from deadly snakes, the Air Jordan 19 stands out as one of the most breathable and comfortable Air Jordan shoes. It incorporated tech flex material, a carbon fiber shank, and a patent leather toe for a unique blend of performance and style. The Air Jordan 19 was embraced by Team Jordan athletes, contributing to the continued legacy of Air Jordan footwear on the basketball court.
2005: Air Jordan XX
In celebration of Air Jordan's 20th Anniversary, Mark Smith and Tinker Hatfield collaborated to design the Air Jordan 20. This iconic shoe introduced distinctive elements such as an ankle strap, patent leather, and a unique midfoot strap. The midfoot strap was adorned with several lasered logos, serving as a tribute to Michael Jordan's remarkable life and illustrious career.
2006: Air Jordan XXI
Crafted by designer D'Wayne Edwards, the Air Jordan 21 drew inspiration from the sleek design of the Bentley Continental GT coupe. This distinctive shoe showcased a seamless, diamond-quilted bootie, a clean upper, and a lower foot air grille. Renowned for seamlessly blending style and substance, the AJ21 presented a unique and sophisticated aesthetic.
2007: Air Jordan XXII
Taking cues from the powerful F-22 fighter jet, designer D'Wayne Edwards crafted the Air Jordan 22. This innovative shoe introduced a translucent outsole, a distinctive camouflage-like pattern on the heel, and marked the debut of a titanium-coated shank plate. The Air Jordan 22 was released in various editions, including a special basketball leather scheme and player edition city colorways, showcasing its versatility and unique design elements.
2008: Air Jordan XXIII
The highly anticipated Air Jordan 23 generated significant excitement in the sneaker world. It boasted exceptional craftsmanship and utilized environmentally friendly materials. Adding a personal touch, Michael Jordan's thumbprint adorned the inside of the tongue, shaping the outsole. The initials of MJ were intricately stitched on the upper, with each colorway featuring a unique presentation. This attention to detail and commitment to sustainability contributed to the Air Jordan 23's standout reputation in the sneaker community.
In summary, the history of Air Jordans intertwines with Michael Jordan's remarkable journey, capturing the essence of basketball culture, athleticism, and enduring style. The sneakers have become more than an investment; they represent a piece of history and a potential family heirloom for enthusiasts.