Jordan Shoes,Air Jordan Shoes,authentic jordan shoes history
The Jordan I (1985)
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The Air Jordan Shoes I was designed by Peter Moore and marked a new era in the design of basketball shoes. The black/red model was banned by the NBA due to NBA color rules and this actually helped to create more publicity and more interest for the shoes. Whether this was a marketing ploy from Nike or not, it helped to generate the interest that, to date, has supported twenty-one different Air Jordan Shoes, numerous retro versions, and limited editions.
The original Air Jordan Shoes I came with a double set of laces to match the two colors of the shoe. For example, the black/red model came with one set of black laces and one set of red laces.
The white/black-red and black/red Jordan I was released as a retro in 1994 and sold very poorly, however in 2001 they released them again in patent leather and the demand was much greater. Despite the changing of the times, the Air Jordan Shoes line has managed to survive controversy and changes in fashion while producing a quality basketball shoe.
Fact: The Nike Air Jordan I is one of the most counterfeited shoes of the Air Jordan line.
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Air Jordan II (1986)
The Air Jordan II was designed by Bruce Kilgore and just as its predecessor it showed a great innovative design. The low-tops were produced in Italy, and the design was generally considered far more stylish than the ordinary basketball shoe.
Surprisingly this is the only original Air Jordan ever that has not been made in a black version. While there were plans to release the Air Jordan II in black, these never became a reality for the original release of the Jordan II.
The white/black AJ II's were retroed in 1994 in limited quantities. Just like the Air Jordan Retro I they sold very poorly and were often found deeply discounted at shoe stores nationwide.
The Jordan II have been recently re-retroed, finally in black leather. The Jordan Retro II is also available in white/varsity red-black.
Jordan III (1988)
The design of the Air Jordan III was totally different from the Jordan I and Jordan II. It was the first pair of Jordan shoes that showed a visible air sole. The designer behind this innovation was Tinker Hatfield who designed every Air Jordan model up to the 15th and has recently returned to design the Jordan XX.
This was also the very first Air Jordan to feature the Jumpman logo instead of the Wings logo on the first two Jordan shoes.
While the Jordan III might be one of the most popular Air Jordans ever, it was nonetheless highly unpopular when retroed in 1994.
Air Jordan IV (1989)
The design of the Air Jordan IV, courtesy of Tinker Hatfield, kept a lot of the feeling from the third model. It wasn’t as innovative or groundbreaking as the previous designs, but by this time the Air Jordan shoes line had gained the public’s attention, leading to sell outs everywhere.
The Jordan IV was even featured in director Spike Lee’s movie Do The Right Thing. Apparently, the director really liked these shoes and decided to show his allegiance to them by giving the Jordans a cameo.
In the movie, one of the characters has his new Air Jordan IV shoes scuffed by a bicyclist. He places his shoe upon a fire-hydrant and cleans it with a toothbrush.
The Jordan IV was retroed 1999 in white/black and black/cement grey. Stores sold out after a few hours and demand was high; a complete change from the retro versions of Jordan I, Jordan II, and Jordan III. At the same time, Nike/Jordan realized an opportunity to create more sales by releasing Retro+ models with a similar design but different colors or very small design changes. These Retro+ models sold fairly although reactions to them are mixed.
Air Jordan V (1990)
Once again Tinker Hatfield introduced a revolutionary design for the Jordan V. A few design elements were carried over from the Jordan IV, but the Air Jordan V featured a great silver/reflex tongue and a clear/see-through rubber sole creating a completely unique look. With the addition of lace locks and shark teeth shapes on the midsole, this shoe is rumoured to have been inspired by a World War II fighter plane.
The clear rubber sole also seen in later Air Jordan Models such as VI, XI and XVI has upset many collectors due to its tendency to turn yellow. These Jordan shoes were retroed in late 1999 in white/black-fire red and black/black-met silver meeting great demand and enthusiasm in the marketplace. Retro+ models were also produced; one model featuring Michael Jordan’s high school colors.
Air Jordan VI (1990)
Yet another Hatfield design. The Jordan VI kept the clear soles and lace locks from the Jordan V, but added a rubber tongue with two holes for getting the shoe on.
The pattern on the shoe was interesting. If you look at the shoe the right way, the number 23 appears with the number 2 standing upright on the back of the shoe and the number 3 laying down, facing the ground near the laces.
The retro release of the Jordan VI is exactly like the original release, although an incorrect sample caused quite an uproar among fans of the Air Jordan line.
Air Jordan VII (1991)
The Air Jordan VII seems to be Hatfield’s fusion of the Nike Air Huarache and the previous Jordan model, the Jordan VI. The Nike Huarache technology was used to create a locked-down fit which sneakerheads really loved, but the visible air sole and the Nike Air logo disappeared, creating joy for some and consternation for others. This is the only shoe in the Jordan shoe line that has been released with the number 9 instead of the number 23. The number 9 was his Olympic jersey number and this model, featuring Olympic colors and jersey number, was a special edition.
The Air Jordan VII was met with strong feelings of love or hate. This is the first of the Air Jordans to create division among the ranks of loyal fans and customers.
Air Jordan VIII (1992)
The eighth model of the Air Jordan could politely be called “chunky? The base of the shoe was clearly modeled on the design of the Jordan XVII, but the Air Jordan VIII added more colors and details. Thick padding for and criss-crossing Velcro straps over the upper made for a great fit but some players experienced problems with heat buildup and a clumsy feeling due to the weight.
The Jumpman logo on this model vaguely resembles a Peace sign, especially on the white/grey Retro version with its shaggy carpet-like Jumpman, leading to the Jordan VIII’s nickname: the flower-power Air Jordan.
Available in only three color combinations, the Air Jordan VIII sold very well in its original and retro versions. The model has since been discontinued.
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Air Jordan IX (1993)
On October 6th 1993, Michael Jordan announced his decision to retire from the NBA, spelling potential doom for the signature shoe line. The Jordan IX was a durable and plain shoe at first glance, but it came with lots of interesting details such as the large 23 stitched on the back of the shoe and the multi-lingual words on the soles of both shoes. The words and the available translations are listed below.
Right Shoe
- dédi?(French) dedicated
- fuerza (Spanish) - force
- intenso (Italian) - intense
- libert?(French) - freedom
- anmutig (German) - graceful
Left Shoe
- §ã§á§à§â§ä (Russian) - sport
- uhuru (Swahili) - independence
- §ã§Ó§à§Ò§à§Õ§Ñ (Russian) - freedom
- athletisch (German) - athletic
- muundaji (Swahili) - hope
Air Jordan X (1994)
Nike was caught off guard with Michael Jordan’s sudden return to the court. Before releasing the Jordan X, they re-released several older Jordan models. The Air Jordan X is nothing special and relatively plain even when you stop to consider that the white/black/light steel grey colorway looks like it just broke out of prison or a herd of zebras. The design is clearly a combination of several older Jordans.
Air Jordan XI (1995)
The Air Jordan XI heralded a triple comeback; Jordan’s return to the NBA, the return of designer Tinker Hatfield, and disappointingly, the return of the unpopular clear soles that yellowed with age.
While the design of this model was premium, the quality was sadly lacking and despite the release of low-top versions, the Jordan XI was not the most popular of all the Air Jordan shoes.
When the Jordan XI's were retroed in 2000-2001 they became the fastest selling, most popular Jordan retros of all.
Air Jordan XII (1996)
The Jordan XII was a completely new design for Air Jordan shoes with ribbed leather that matched and blended with the midsoles. This unique design was inspired by the flag of the Japanese Army & Navy in which the red circle is surrounded by a sunset.
The Jordan XII was the most durable Air Jordan to date, but they did have one major flaw. The Jordan XII attracted dirt easily and were hard to clean.
In September 1997 Nike decided to launch a new sub-brand of Nike called Jordan Brand. The Jordan XII was the first Jordan shoe of the new Jordan brand and was also the first Air Jordan that did not have a Nike logo or Swoosh.
Air Jordan XIII (1997)
Now that Nike and Air Jordan designer, Tinker Hatfield, were a little more prepared, they were able to keep producing original designs for the Nike Air Jordan line. One of the nicest features of this Jordan model was a hologram on the ankle showing a basketball, the number 23, and the Jumpman logo. The low-top versions of the Jordan XIII were released without this nifty feature though, much to the disappointment of many.
Air Jordan XIV (1998)
The design of the Air Jordan XIV, inspired by Michael Jordan’s Ferrari 550M, was a stroke of sheer genius on the part of Hatfield and fitting shoe to accompany Jordan’s second retirement from the NBA. The Jordan XIV is a sleek, performance driven shoe that Kicksology.com states, “is as close to perfection as we’ve tested.? . Features include, laces with metal aglets (the tips on the ends of the laces) and seven Jumpman logos per shoes equaling a total of fourteen. Overall, the Jordan XIV is a stylish, lightweight shoe that is perhaps the best Air Jordan model of them all.
Air Jordan XV (1999)
The Jordan VI. It was the first shoe released after its namesake’s retirement, but despite missing its endorser, the Air Jordan was a decent product that sold fairly well. With a designer look, based on NASA’s 1950’s X-15 aircraft, the look of the shoe was a radical change from its predecessors.
Air Jordan XVI (2001)
Former Air Jordan designer Tinker Hatfield had moved on by the time of the Jordan XVI. The Air Jordan XVI was designed by Hatfield replacement, Nike Senior Footwear Designer, Wilson Smith. With a little fresh blood in the design process, the Jordan XVI was perhaps the first truly fresh design since the Jordan III, despite the fact that Smith decided to recycle a few of the design elements of earlier releases, such as the clear soles and patent leather. What made the Jordan XVI new was a removable gaiter/shroud, giving the shoe two looks for the price of one. Not only a stylish addition, this feature helped to control temperature and comfort for the wearer. Like all new things, this design had a few bugs to be worked out. The overall feel of the shoe was a little stiff and the shroud easily came off during very active wear and the patent leather didn’t wear as well as other materials. Even with these problems, the overall concept and design of the Air Jordan XVI was excellent and Wilson Smith certainly lived up to the example of his predecessor.
Air Jordan XVII (2002)
According to jumpman23.com, the Air Jordan XVII design was inspired by; "the fine details from an Aston Martin, the smooth lines and flow of a jazz solo and the long Air Jordan history of innovations in style."
Like the Jordan XVI’s, the Jordan XVII came equipped with a removable midfoot cover, giving the wearer two looks for this model. This Jordan model came in an embossed metal carrying case with a cd rom. One of the most expensive models from the Jordan Brand of shoes, their original retail price was $200. While this may seem overpriced, the shoe seems to have been fairly popular.
Air Jordan XVIII (2003)
The Jordan XVIII is the brainchild of new Senior Jordan Footwear Designer, Tate Kuebis. The inspiration for this model is said to be a number of things, but primarily a design based on the sleek lines of the racing world and the quality of Italian dress shoes. Mostly, the Air Jordan XVIII is known for its unique accessories, a pull-out opening box and a brush and towel for cleaning the shoes.
Air Jordan 18.5
While both the Jordan XVI and the Jordan XVII were later released with modified models called the "+" model, the Jordan XVIII design was so radically altered that Nike released a whole new shoe. The basic design was similar, but the Jordan 18.5 lacked a lace cover and came with a plastic pant-leg stopper and a more prominent Jumpman logo.
Air Jordan XIX (2004)
Michael Jordan’s retirement from NBA basketball has meant a turning of the page, the ending of one chapter and the beginning of another. The Air Jordan 19 was inspired by an African snake, the Black Mamba, a fast and deadly snake found in central and southern Africa. Black Mambas are awe inspiring animals, powerful and tense, and not black but a gun-metal olive. When threatened they raise their bodies high into the air and present a wide open mouth and reveal just how they got their name. The inside of their mouth is jet black.
The Jordan XIX are extremely comfortable and designed to be the lightest and most flexible of all the Jordan shoes. The fit is exceptional and the tongue is well-padded to help improve the midfoot fit. A powerful magnetic heel strapping system, speed lacing toggle, and innovative flex material combine to create a first rate performance that is perhaps the greatest tribute to Michael Jordan’s career and exemplifies the greatness that only Jordan could achieve.
Air Jordan XX (2005)
First and foremost, Tinker Hatfield, the genius and master, is back by popular demand to work on the Air Jordan XX. The most noticeable feature of the Jordan XX is the laser etched design on the lace cover depicting various past Air Jordan’s and Michael Jordan’s achievements through his careers. Also prominent is the vaguely huarache-like design. The XX is inspired by motorcycle tires and Jordan Brand Racing team called Team 23 Racing Team 23 Racing. Representatives have confirmed companies affiliated Michael Jordan will sponsor Montez Stewart in 2005’s AMA Repsol Superstock and Pro Honda Oils Supersport classes.
But when the world’s most famous athlete becomes even remotely involved in any form of sporting or business activity, it becomes fodder for much speculation. Reports slowly began to appear on the web that Jordan was putting together an AMA road racing team.
Jordan owns several sports motorcycles and met Stewart through a mutual friend in the Chicago area and decided to help the successful CCS rider. The Air Jordan XX is set to debut in early 2005, packaged in a black & red box with a flip top in the middle which is secured by Velcro. The side of box is expected to be embossed with the word “JORDAN.? This model should feature a special 20th Anniversary Edition Coaster.
Air Jordan XXI (2006)
Exclusive preview of the Jordan XXI/Jordan 21, due to be released in February 2006. From the Jordan Brand catalog, we have the following advance information:
Upper: The upper is expected to be a combination of luxurious Italian suedes with rich full-grain leathers. Forefoot breathability features are combined with a newly engineered durable textile for support and durability in key performance areas. Extended heel counter construction provides enhanced ankle support. New foam-backed quilted collar complements the seamless booty construction to provide maximum comfort. Breathable mesh is brought to the tongue to dissipate heat while the adjustable tongue cover flips up to expose the breathable technology or flips down for a more sophisticated look.
Midsole: Fully-double lasted phylon midsole provides a low-profile stance. Evolution of the I.P.S (Independent Podular Suspension) now includes interchangeable cushioning technology with a customizable heel zoom pillar or heel encapsulated pillar. Carbon Fiber shake plate offers mid-foot and arch support.
Outsole: I.P.S. (Independent Podular Suspension) technology is integrated with the outsole through raised herringbone pods for traction in strategic performance areas. New innovative outsole pattern offers multi-directional traction.
Profile: The future is now. The next generation of the greatest performance basketball shoe, designed for the greatest player to ever play the game. The Air Jordan XXI shoe embodies all the elements: The man, the style, the legend...Michael Jordan. |
