The Air Jordan I – The Revolutionary Sneaker That Defined a Generation
The Air Jordan I – The Shoe That Started It All
Designed by Tinker Hatfield, this is the shoe that set the path for Jordans and sneaker culture as we know it. MJ wore them for his legendary buzzer beater shot in 1989 that won the Bulls their third straight NBA championship.
Today, sneakers are more than just a sport; they’re a fashion statement, too. More and more brands are partnering with celebrity athletes to boost sales, which can run in the millions.
Air Jordan I
The Air Jordan I, first released in 1985, transformed basketball and sneaker culture. It is the shoe that launched Michael Jordan’s career as a professional athlete and cemented Nike as the top sneaker brand in the world. Its enduring popularity is due to its sleek design, multiple colorways and memorable associations with iconic athletes. The AJ1 was the first shoe to incorporate Nike Air cushioning and the now-iconic ‘Jumpman’ silhouette. The shoe also features the Nike swoosh logo and wings trademark.
The ‘Jumpman’ silhouette is the most recognisable element of any Nike product, with many citing it as one of their favourite features. The silhouette was inspired by a Life magazine photograph of Michael Jordan jumping with the ball in his hand and is still used today on countless Nike products. The ‘Jumpman’ logo is also featured on the back of the heel and on the inside of the tongue of every Air Jordan.
Nike redesigned the shoe in 1994. Its new design was lighter and featured a more comfortable lining and improved midsole materials. Its outer material was also made from a more durable mesh. The shoe also incorporated an inner tongue that kept the foot in place, and a plastic piece anchored the laces, which could be pulled tight for extra support.
Although the shoe has had its ups and downs, it continues to be a bestseller. In fact, it is the most sold sneaker of all time. The Air Jordan I is also well known for its association with the NBA’s Chicago Bulls and MJ himself. It has also been worn by other celebrities and athletes, and was a key prop in the 1996 movie Do the Right Thing, where the character Michael Kyle wears a pair of scuffed Jordans that leads to a racial scuffle.
In recent years, the shoe has become increasingly popular with skateboarders. The sneaker’s high-top design and durable mesh upper make it a perfect choice for skateboarding. The shoe is also incredibly versatile and can be worn for other activities, including walking or working out. It is also available in a wide range of colors and styles, and has been remixed with different materials, colours, and designs.
The most common variation of the AJ1 is the ‘Chicago’ colourway, which was released in 1984. It was designed by Peter Moore, who wanted the shoes to be as eye-catching as possible. The shoe was originally called the Nike Air Ship, but later changed to the Air Jordan after Michael Jordan signed with the team. Moore’s decision to name the shoe after the city of Chicago was inspired by the fact that he grew up in the area and saw the city as his home.
The ‘Chicago’ colourway is one of the most popular and sought after variations of the Air Jordan 1. Its simple yet striking design has made it a true classic. The shoe is often released in special editions, such as the ‘Black Toe’ release and the ‘Satin Bred’ version. These releases are usually limited and feature special edition packaging, lace locks and other accessories that make the shoes even more exclusive.
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