In the realm of basketball sneaker collecting, there's no model more iconic and influential than the Air Jordan. The lineage traces back to the profound influence of one rising star of the mid-1980s: Michael Jordan. In his rookie year, Jordan, after considering signing with Adidas, entered into a historic agreement with Nike that resulted in the Peter Moore-designed Air Jordan 1. Introduced in 1985, Jordan's second season, the shoe added high-top ankle support, traction, and air pockets that elevated his game while featuring a distinctive red and black colorway.
The initial Air Jordan diverged so significantly from the conventional basketball shoes of its era that it failed to comply with the NBA uniform code requirements. Consequently, Jordan faced a $5,000 fine for every game he sported them on the court, sparking a wave of excitement that propelled the model's popularity among the general public. At the time, fans could purchase a pair at the retail price of $65.
Released in 1986, the Air Jordan 2 introduced a touch of opulence to basketball sneakers with features like faux lizard skin, Italian craftsmanship, and exquisite design. By removing the Nike swoosh, the Air Jordan 2 demonstrated that Jordan's brand identity was strong enough to stand on its own.
The 1988 Air Jordan 3 introduced the iconic Jumpman logo, a silhouette of Michael Jordan dunking in mid-flight. Tinker Hatfield designed this shoe, increased its comfort level, and featured a popular elephant print design. It was notably the shoe Jordan wore when he won his first All-Star Game dunk competition.
By 1989, the Air Jordan 4 featured an innovative mesh upper that both reduced weight and improved airflow. Featured prominently in Spike Lee's groundbreaking film Do the Right Thing, the shoe also had a lacing system that enabled a highly individualized style and fit. Pushing the boundaries yet again, the Air Jordan 5 had a colorful midsole shark teeth design that took inspiration from World War Two-era fighter airplanes. With clear soles and a reflective tongue, it's still a collector favorite in high demand.
With the Air Jordan 6 in 1991, Jordan led his team to the first of six championships and jumpstarting the Bull's 1990s dynasty. Tinker Hatfield designed the sleek "Black Infrared" colorway that had the Porshe 911 as an inspiration. He paired it with a clear outsole. It was the last of Jordan's sneakers to include a Nike Air logo and the Jumpman, which would stand alone on future releases.
The Air Jordan 6's rubber tongue, which features two holes, complemented a spoiler-like heel tab. This design element stemmed from the difficulty Jordan had taking his shoe on and off quickly in the heat of game-time competition. The results spoke for themselves. In the 1991 Finals, Jordan excelled against Magic Johnson and the Los Angeles Lakers, averaging 31.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 11.4 assists a game en route to his first championship ring.
With the Air Jordan brand now firmly established, subsequent model releases during Michael Jordan's career would often be accompanied by rereleases of early models. For example, the retro version of Air Jordan 6 was released in 2000, while the infrared colorway was rereleased in 2019, well after his career ended.
