Air Jordan I: Where it all started. MJ's first shoes, which debuted in March of 1985, became a staple both on and off the court. The NBA originally found the shoes to be in violation of its team uniform policy, and Jordan was fined for wearing them.
Air Jordan I
Designer: Peter Moore
Debut: 1985
The original. The classic. The One.
From the distinctive colourway to the "Wings" logo to the oversized swoosh, every minute facet of this shoe is as recognizable as the skinny kid from North Carolina that gave his name to it. The release of this kick marked the first step for what is now one of the most recognizable brands in America, a movement that revolutionized the design, marketing and perception of sporting footwear.
Although initially popular, the real turning-point for the AJ1 came when David Stern and his boys decided to outlaw it, claiming that the overabundance of black and red violated uniform policy. Nike, of course, turned this to their advantage when they shot the famous "Banned" advert. The league’s decision to fine Jordan several thousand dollars (which Nike paid) for each game in which he wore them added further fuel to the publicity fire, causing sales to skyrocket.
Twenty years after the world first made its acquaintance, it’s clear that this shoe is among the most important ever made. As one of the few sneakers to enjoy truly iconic status, the AJ1 remains as identifiable a part of basketball history and culture as short shorts, long socks or the Afro.
Further information
The original version of the shoe came with both a red and a black set of laces, allowing shoe-owners to coordinate their kicks and their outfit.
With twenty-three variants, this shoe is available in more colourways than any other Jordan.
Air Jordan II: These embossed leather kicks came out in November of 1986, and Jordan wears them in style. He averages a career-high 37.1 points per game and wins his first slam-dunk contest in these sneakers.
Air Jordan II
Designer: Bruce Kilgore
Debut: 1986
A departure from its predecessor but no less innovative, the AJ2 turned a corner in terms of style, relegating the "Wings" logo to the tongue and relying on subtle accents rather than the in-your-face design of the first Jordan for its look. This is the shoe perhaps most often featured in the highlight reels as it was Mike’s ride for the ’86-’87 season in which he averaged 37.1 points per game and won the slam dunk competition during All-Star weekend. Although it inspired less controversy than its forerunner, sales were similar, and by the time it was released there was already speculation concerning the third installment in the series.
Further information
The AJ2 was produced in Italy and was the only Jordan of which a black version was not made available, despite initial plans.
Air Jordan III: These shoes represent a huge step forward, as they are the first Jordan kicks to feature the Jumpman logo. The III's were also the original ones to be featured in the famous commercials with Spike Lee as Mars Blackmon.
Air Jordan III
Designer: Tinker Hatfield
Debut: 1988
Many years ago, man made fire. Some time later, the wheel was invented. Then, in 1988, sneaker freaks the world over discovered air.
The Jordan III was the first to incorporate Nike’s now-famous "Air" technology, featuring a visible unit in the sole beneath the elephant pattern panel which became this shoe’s trademark. The AJ3 also marked the inaugural appearance of the "Jumpman" logo, which has appeared on every subsequent Jordan. Considered by some to be the greatest of the entire line, these kicks established the dominance of the Air Jordan franchise that continues to this day.
Further information
The AJ3 was the first to be designed by the legendary Tinker Hatfield, who worked on every model up until the XV, recently returning for the XX.
The advertising campaign for the AJ3 spawned the highly successful "Mars Blackmon" television spots featuring Spike Lee.
Air Jordan I
Designer: Peter Moore
Debut: 1985
The original. The classic. The One.
From the distinctive colourway to the "Wings" logo to the oversized swoosh, every minute facet of this shoe is as recognizable as the skinny kid from North Carolina that gave his name to it. The release of this kick marked the first step for what is now one of the most recognizable brands in America, a movement that revolutionized the design, marketing and perception of sporting footwear.
Although initially popular, the real turning-point for the AJ1 came when David Stern and his boys decided to outlaw it, claiming that the overabundance of black and red violated uniform policy. Nike, of course, turned this to their advantage when they shot the famous "Banned" advert. The league’s decision to fine Jordan several thousand dollars (which Nike paid) for each game in which he wore them added further fuel to the publicity fire, causing sales to skyrocket.
Twenty years after the world first made its acquaintance, it’s clear that this shoe is among the most important ever made. As one of the few sneakers to enjoy truly iconic status, the AJ1 remains as identifiable a part of basketball history and culture as short shorts, long socks or the Afro.
Further information
The original version of the shoe came with both a red and a black set of laces, allowing shoe-owners to coordinate their kicks and their outfit.
With twenty-three variants, this shoe is available in more colourways than any other Jordan.
Air Jordan II: These embossed leather kicks came out in November of 1986, and Jordan wears them in style. He averages a career-high 37.1 points per game and wins his first slam-dunk contest in these sneakers.
Air Jordan II
Designer: Bruce Kilgore
Debut: 1986
A departure from its predecessor but no less innovative, the AJ2 turned a corner in terms of style, relegating the "Wings" logo to the tongue and relying on subtle accents rather than the in-your-face design of the first Jordan for its look. This is the shoe perhaps most often featured in the highlight reels as it was Mike’s ride for the ’86-’87 season in which he averaged 37.1 points per game and won the slam dunk competition during All-Star weekend. Although it inspired less controversy than its forerunner, sales were similar, and by the time it was released there was already speculation concerning the third installment in the series.
Further information
The AJ2 was produced in Italy and was the only Jordan of which a black version was not made available, despite initial plans.
Air Jordan III: These shoes represent a huge step forward, as they are the first Jordan kicks to feature the Jumpman logo. The III's were also the original ones to be featured in the famous commercials with Spike Lee as Mars Blackmon.
Air Jordan III
Designer: Tinker Hatfield
Debut: 1988
Many years ago, man made fire. Some time later, the wheel was invented. Then, in 1988, sneaker freaks the world over discovered air.
The Jordan III was the first to incorporate Nike’s now-famous "Air" technology, featuring a visible unit in the sole beneath the elephant pattern panel which became this shoe’s trademark. The AJ3 also marked the inaugural appearance of the "Jumpman" logo, which has appeared on every subsequent Jordan. Considered by some to be the greatest of the entire line, these kicks established the dominance of the Air Jordan franchise that continues to this day.
Further information
The AJ3 was the first to be designed by the legendary Tinker Hatfield, who worked on every model up until the XV, recently returning for the XX.
The advertising campaign for the AJ3 spawned the highly successful "Mars Blackmon" television spots featuring Spike Lee.
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