Many myths surround the Air Jordan models and dozens of versions have appeared over the past decades. Actually, Jordan wanted to collaborate with adidas, but in the end Nike came out on top and what happened after that nobody could predict.
Nike Air Jordan 1 - A legend is born
In 1985, the successful story begins with the Jordan 1. Michael Jordan was voted Rookie of the Year and Nike signed a contract with the exceptional talent. Jordan himself was not at first taken with the look of the Air Jordan 1, black and red are the colors of the devil, but also those of his new NBA team, the Chicago Bulls. The "Black/Red" also called BRED is nowadays a legendary colorway of Air Jordan shoes. The Jordan Wing logo on the shoe symbolizes Michael Jordan's favorite pastime, flying over the heads of opponents and making incredible dunks. The AJ1 remains one of Jordan Brand's most popular models to this day, and the retros and reissues in other colors are highly sought after.
Nike Air Jordan 2 - luxury sneaker for the court
With the second model of the Air Jordan series, they already broke unusual ground in 1986. On the one hand, the Air Jordan II was the first shoe, which was designed without the Swoosh the brand logo of Nike. Secondly, the shoe was produced in Italy, which was a touch of luxury.
Nike Air Jordan 3 - The Jumpman is here
The 3 Jordan from Nike is the first model designed by designer Tinker Hatfield. A visible Air window, elephant print and the Jumpman, which was seen for the first time, are the most significant design features of this shoe. Hatfield would go on to design many more Nike Air Jordan models in the years to come, making himself immortal. The Jumpman remains the logo and trademark of the Jordan Brand to this day and can be found on nearly every Air Jordan sneaker.
For each new NBA season there was a new Jordan sneaker from Nike. That the shoes also outside of the basketball court for much furore provided is no secret. Each new release, but also the reissues of older models with new colorways, triggered international anticipation. The Air Jordan 13 was the first sneaker released under the Jordan Brand by Nike in 1997. The Nike Air Jordan series is the perfect combination of quality product, marketing and the incredible athletic performance of Michael Jordan. In addition to the Air Jordan shoes, the Jordan Brand also has apparel in their collections. These are a mix of performance and streetwear and play with the history of Jordan. Of course, logos like the Jumpman or the Wings logo are prominently placed and combined with graphic lettering. Jordan jogging suits, shorts or hoodies can be perfectly combined with your sneakers. Collaborations like with the French soccer club Paris St. Germain show that Nike and the Jordan Brand are broadening their horizons and making their presence felt off the basketball court as well.
The Jordan Brand is a Jordan family
Did you actually know that we have Michael Jordan and his Nike Air Jordan to thank for Jordans being released at 9:00 am on Saturdays? The idea was to prevent kids from skipping school to get their hands on the highly coveted sneakers. The release dates may have shifted a bit today, but the Jordan Brand is still sticking to its social commitment. Key principles such as strengthening the community through youth education are expressed through scholarships. The fight against racism and discrimination are other areas where Jordan Brand uses its influence. With the Quai 54, one of the most important streetball tournaments in the world, they also sponsor a sporting event that reflects the core of the Jordan Brand and that is basketball.