Maybe it sounds like hyperbole in a sneaker world that’s become dominated by it, but it’s the absolute truth — the Air Jordan changed everything. When it was introduced in 1985, the Air Jordan line not only took the concept of "signature shoes" to another level, but it gave professional basketball players another form of expression, which to that point, had been dictated primarily by the sneaker companies and the
NBA.
For the first shoe,
Michael Jordan and
Nike went against the NBA’s uniform code, paying fines each time he wore the red and black Jordans. For the second, Nike removed their signature Swoosh, ensuring that the only branding was Jordan’s own. And for the third shoe, a young designer named
Tinker Hatfield had the revolutionary idea of incorporating Michael Jordan’s own personality into the product that bore his name. It built from there into the dominant force that it is today.
For over 20 years, the Air Jordan basketball sneaker has represented the pinnacle of luxury sport – "Quality Inspired By the Greatest Player Ever," as it said on the heel straps of the Air Jordan 12 (Air Jordan XII). While the technology that goes into the sneakers has changed considerably since 1985, the motivation has not. The product will forever be legendary.
Here, you will find a comprehensive list of Air Jordan models, brand-related news and up to date information on all
Jordan Release Dates.