History of Air Jordans

The Air Jordan line began with the Air Jordan I in 1984, designed by Peter Moore, known for its banned black and red colorway by the NBA and later released in red and white, marking a cultural phenomenon with over $100 million in sales its first year. Subsequent models like the Air Jordan II (1986) by Bruce Kilgore featured Italian-made faux-lizard skin and omitted the Nike swoosh. Designed by Tinker Hatfield, the Air Jordan III (1988) saved Nike's collaboration with Michael Jordan, introducing the iconic Jumpman logo and visible Air cushioning. Each subsequent release, from the global debut of the Air Jordan IV (1989) worn during "The Shot" in the playoffs to the innovative features of the Air Jordan V to XI, including special editions like the Olympic-themed Air Jordan VII (1992) and the patent leather Air Jordan XI (1995) worn during Jordan's fourth NBA Championship, cemented the Air Jordan's legacy in both sports and popular culture.