Did you know that the Nike brand (originally called Blue Ribbon Sports) was founded in 1964? Nike wouldn’t produce its iconic Air Jordan sneakers until several years later. Today, there are many variations of these basketball sneakers.
But what made them so popular in the first place? Where did they come from, and how did they begin? Keep reading and learn more about the unique sneaker history behind the Air Jordan shoe.
The Inception of Air Jordan Sneakers
Whether you have a sneaker collection or just want to purchase sneakers to wear, you can’t miss out on Air Jordans. These are some of the most iconic basketball shoes of all time. Their story began with three designers, Peter Moore, Tinker Hatfield, and Bruce Kilgore.
These three decided to create a basketball shoe unlike any other in 1984. The first variation has a black and red colorway which was an immediate hit. It also had the classic Nike symbol on the sides.
The NBA did not care for this colorway and had it banned. This is because they ruled that the shoes did not fit the uniform rules for Jordan’s team.
But that didn’t stop Air Jordan’s popularity. The Nike brand came out with another version of the Air Jordan sneakers, this time in a red and white colorway. The NBA decided that this option was okay to wear on the court.
This first Air Jordan was called the Air Jordan I. It was the first of a long line of various sneaker models and colorways. The first Air Jordan shoes generated $100 million for Nike within one year.
This was groundbreaking since few shoes had ever generated so much money and popularity in such a short period. Perhaps they were so popular because they were a departure from more old-fashioned basketball sneakers.
Creating the Perfect Basketball Shoe
A lot of design and planning went into the formation of this first shoe model. Nike wanted to create a shoe specifically for Michael Jordan. Jordan, at the time, was one of the most famous basketball players in the world.
It was only a matter of time before a shoe brand came and made a deal with him. It also wasn’t long before Nike decided to come out with its second Air Jordan model, the Air Jordan II, in 1986.
The second model was released so soon after the first because people were hungry to see what other designs Nike could come up with. The second model was as popular as the first.
The main designer behind this version was Bruce Kilgore. While the second model has many similarities to the first, there were some distinct differences. The shoes were assembled in Italy to prioritize high-quality craftsmanship.
The main material was faux-lizard skin to give the shoes a unique look. The primary departure was when the designer dropped the Nike logo. This gave the shoes a more streamlined and modern look.
People loved these shoes because they were unique, stylish, and comfortable. Air Jordan sneakers are still prized for their unbelievable cushioning and comfort. The older Air Jordan models are also very popular today for their retro looks.
How the Air Jordans Evolved
After the first few Air Jordan models were released, there was no stopping the surge of popularity that followed. People went crazy for every new Air Jordan release that came out. Nike always took the quality of these shoes very seriously.
This is because these shoes are more of a symbol than any regular pair of shoes. They represent the influence that Michael Jordan had over the basketball scene through the 1980s and 1990s.
They also are very close to the hearts of those who have always been passionate about basketball. Today, many people love to collect these shoes due to their unique place in history and their special styles.
A new Air Jordan model came out almost every year after the Air Jordan II. The Air Jordan III was designed by Tinker Hatfield and came out in 1988. This was a very important shoe because, around this time, Michael Jordan was thinking about leaving Nike once his contract expired.
But the design of this shoe was influential enough to convince Jordan to stay. The shoe also incorporated a new design feature: the Jumpman logo. This is the classic silhouette of a jumping basketball player that you can now find on a variety of basketball shoes and clothes.
What You Need to Know
Tinker Hatfield then created the Air Jordan 4 in 1989. Click here to learn how to buy Jordan 4s for yourself. This shoe is unique because it was the first Air Jordan sneaker to enter the global market.
This is how Air Jordans became a global phenomenon. With each new release of these shoes, the more popular they became. People are still as excited about these shoes today as they were several decades ago.
This shows how unique these shoes are. Nike always does its best to create shoes that are unique, stylish, and comfortable. The latest release is the Air Jordan 13.
There will likely be many more releases in the years to come.
The Sneaker History Behind the Air Jordan Sneakers
Many people think that Air Jordans are like any other type of sneakers, but this is not true. The sneaker history behind these shoes is deep and rich. It began in 1984 when Nike decided to create shoes specifically for Michael Jordan.
The popularity of these sneakers blossomed then and there, and they are still very popular today. To learn more about sneakers, check out the other content on our website.
