The Air Jordan sneaker line has always been symbols of the era, style, and fashion. These sneakers have people lining up, and dropping serious cash to get a pair. And we know why. Made by the best designers, with the coolest ideas in mind, these shoes really out-do every other shoe on the market. Here is a history of what Air Jordan has become since its release in 1985.
1985 – Air Jordan I
The first Air Jordan was issued. Michael Jordan had a great rookie year, and brought the Chicago Bulls into the playoffs after a 4 year absence.
1987 – Air Jordan II
The Air Jordan 2 defined basketball luxury in the 1980’s. Made in Italy, the AJ2 featured faux lizard print. This shoe was made with quality craftsmanship for high performance athletes.
1988 – Air Jordan III
The Air Jordan 3 was the first shoe to introduce the Jumpman Logo. It also introduced the elephant print and visible air to the Air Jordan line. This shoe was so innovative, that it actually kept MJ from leaving Nike. He liked the shoe so much, he wore it in ’88 at All Star Weekend when he won the Slam Dunk Contest.
1989 – Air Jordan IVWithout a doubt my favorite
These Air Jordans were on the feet of MJ as he hit The Shot over Craig Ehlo in the ’89 Playoffs. They were a symbol of what the 80’s were, and what the 90’s would become.
1990 – Air Jordan V
The Air Jordan 5s were inspired by a World War 2 plane. They boasted asymmetrical collar and translucent outsoles. This year was the sixth straight year of MJ playing in the All Star Game, and while wearing these shoes, he won his fourth consecutive league scoring title.
1991 – Air Jordan VI
The most loved of all the Air Jordans, this shoe was on the feet of Michael when he won his first Championship Ring. Little fun fact = A boot version of this shoe was worn by Michael Keaton when he played Batman. Even super heroes love Air Jordans!
1992 – Air Jordan VII
This shoe was one for the record books. Worn by MJ in his second Championship season AND the Olympic Games in Barcelona, where the Dream Team won a gold medal. Bugs Bunny is even featured wearing these shoes, earning MJ the nickname “Hare Jordan”.
1993 – Air Jordan VIII
These shoes are a spectacle for the eyes. They feature a unique color splash on the midsole, a carpet-like tongue, and interesting midfoot straps. Worn by MJ at the ’93 All Star game, and also the 1st time the Chicago Bulls completed their 3-peat world championships. These shoes are another one for the record books.
1994 – Air Jordan IX
This shoe is probably the most versatile of any basketball shoe ever made. For the first time ever, when MJ started playing baseball, this shoe was made in Cleat form so that MJ could rock the Jordans on the basketball field, and the baseball field
1995 – Air Jordan X
Worn by Michael when he returned to the NBA, these shoes are hot. So hot that Michael dropped 55 points against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden. With a jagged “23”, these shoes really embodied the animal that MJ was when he returned.
1996 – Air Jordan XI
Sole Collector Magazine voted these sneakers the best shoe of all time. Michael wore these in the Space Jam movie, and during the Chicago Bulls’ incredible 72 win, NBA Championship season. Who wouldn’t want to own a pair of the best sneakers in the world?
1997 – Air Jordan XII
Inspired by women’s shoes and the Japanese flag, the AJ XII featured faux reptile print, and a full length visible carbon shank on the side. He wore these shoes while he had the Flu, and still scored 38 points. These shoes were also present during MJ’s 5th NBA title.
1998 – Air Jordan XIII
Inspired by the Black Panther, the shoes feather a whisker on the tongue and a paw-like sole. The hologram represents the eye of the panther. The eye was all Michael Jordan needed to lead the Chicago Bulls to their 6th NBA title.
1999 – Air Jordan XIV
Ferrari even has its contribution to the Air Jordan series. This was the last shoe Michael Jordan would wear as a Chicago Bull. He sported the Red/Black colorway, as he hit his last shot over Bryon Russel, which led to the Bulls’ second Three-Peat Championship win.
2000 – Air Jordan XV
Tinker Hatfield designed this shoe after an X-15 Fighter Plane. These shoes were made from Kevlar, and designed with a unique shape and upper layer. They were released as player exclusives in the 1999-2000 basketball season.
2001 – Air Jordan XVI
These shoes represented Michael Jordan’s switch from player to executive. Through sleek style, and great engineering, this shoe continued the Jordan legacy combining performance and style.
2002 – Air Jordan XVII
These shoes were designed with Jazz music and the Aston Martin car in mind. They were sold in a metal case, with an interactive DVD to go along with them. Michael wore these shoes during his comeback with the Washington Wizards.
2003 – Air Jordan XVIII
Designed by Tate Kuerbis, these shoes featured a one piece upper inspired by sleek racing lines. They arrived in a box with a number 18 cut out, and a driving manual booklet. Michael Jordan wore these in his final season in the NBA, forever fulfilling the legacy of Air Jordans in the NBA.
2004 – Air Jordan XIX
What more inspiration do you need other than Deadly Snakes? Nothing. The most breathable, comfortable shoes to date, these shoes featured Tech Flex material, a carbon fiber shank, and a leather toe. Team Jordan athletes wore this shoe to carry on the Air Jordan legacy.
