Air Jordan History: Key Milestones

The history of the Air Jordan is one of the most interesting in the world of sneakers. Since its creation in 1984, these shoes have left an indelible mark on urban culture and have become an indisputable icon in the world of basketball.

In fact, his name will always be linked to Michael Jordan , a figure who fostered the revolutionary impact that his entry into the world market had.

Over the years there have been a number of milestones that explain its enormous popularity and legacy. Today in this new Newcop article we are going to review each one of them to get to know in depth the trajectory of these models that we like so much.

Keep reading and join us on this journey through time.

Major milestones in Jordan history

The history of the Air Jordan is full of transcendental moments that have led the Nike sub-brand to reap success, year after year, in these four decades. Beyond what refers to its design and manufacture, we are talking about some shoes that have had an important social impact .

Since their birth they have been protagonists of controversies and advertising campaigns that marked a before and after in the sector. Today, the Air Jordan are synonymous with quality and distinction within the sector. But his path to reach today has not been easy.

First Air Jordans

As we told you in the introduction, in 1984, Nike launched the first Air Jordans, known as the Air Jordan 1 . They were designed by the creative Peter Moore and presented an innovative and groundbreaking style compared to the traditional basketball shoes of the time.

Their design immediately caught the eye, but it was the connection to Michael Jordan that truly made them a cultural phenomenon and was responsible for generating an impact that crossed borders.

Michael Jordan

At that time Michael Jordan was just a young and talented basketball player at the University of North Carolina. Nike 's firm commitment managed to secure sponsorship with one of the pearls of the NBA who, in the end, became the best player of all time.

This agreement gave him the opportunity to have his own line of shoes, becoming the first player to have an exclusive shoe . Undoubtedly a perfect bet from the brand, whose impact was enormous.

From then on, the Air Jordan became an extension of Jordan's personality and playing style , and each new model was eagerly awaited.

air jordan ii

The next milestone in Air Jordan history came in 1988 with the release of the Air Jordan III . Designed by Tinker Hatfield, these shoes featured revolutionary elements, such as the famous air pocket in the heel , which provided greater comfort and support.

Additionally, the Air Jordan III was the first to sport the iconic Jumpman logo , which has become the brand's signature emblem. An image that represents one of the mythical dunks of the basketball icon , flying over the track with a jump within the reach of few athletes.

Air Jordan XI: Greatness in space

As early as 1995, Nike released the Air Jordan XI , a model that quickly became one of the most successful in the line. Also designed by Tinker Hatfield, these sneakers stood out for their transparent sole.

Additionally, the Air Jordan XI was the one Michael Jordan wore during his return to the NBA , after his brief retirement to play baseball. How could it be otherwise, the lawsuit broke any expected estimate.

The Air Jordan in the new millennium

In the 21st century, the Air Jordan has maintained its status as a mainstay of sneaker culture . Over the years, the brand has continued to innovate and release new models that have captivated basketball fans and shoe lovers alike.

Many of them have been reissues or inspirations from classic models and the fact is that the history of the Air Jordan has left such an important legacy that all these adaptations always have a place on the market.

In fact, recently the film Air has been released, which deals precisely with the exciting origin of this emblematic brand.

3 iconic Air Jordan models

At Newcop , you can find some of the iconic Air Jordan models that have a privileged space among collectors. One of them is the Air Jordan 1 Retro High Satin Snake Chicago , which combines the classic structure of the Air Jordan 1 with a striking satin design and details that simulate snakeskin.

Another standout model is the Air Jordan 4 Retro Red Thunder , which features a vibrant color scheme and modern design. What is most striking is the contrast between the intense red and the black , as well as its robust appearance and the characteristic air chamber.

Lastly, we recommend the Air Jordan 11 Retro Cool Gray , a pair of sneakers designed with a gray suede upper and a translucent sole that reveals the brand's logo. The result is a perfect balance between elegance and comfort .

These are just some of the options that you can find on our website, but we invite you to take a look to discover all the models we have for you. And if you liked this post, surely you would also like to discover the history of the New Balance brand that we collected in our blog.