The history of Michael Jordan's signature sneakers line dates all the way back to 1984, when Nike offered the young Bulls star a five-year deal worth $500,000 annually. Designed by Peter C. Moore, the original Air Jordan variant is still a hot item on markets around the globe, but you'd better bring your wallet.
In this piece, we'll take a look at how the now-famous line has evolved over the years. To date, Nike has released 34 installments of the Air Jordan.
H/T cardboardconnection.com for the shoe images.
Air Jordan I – “Notorious” – 1985
Air Jordan II – “Italian Stallion” – 1986
Air Jordan III – “Gotta Be the Shoes” – 1988
Air Jordan IV – “Taking Flight” – 1989
Air Jordan V – “The Fighter” – 1990
Air Jordan VI – “Promised Land” – 1991
Air Jordan VII – “Pure Gold” – 1992
Air Jordan VIII – “Strap In” – 1993
Air Jordan IX – “Perfect Harmony” – 1993
Air Jordan X – “The Legacy Continues” – 1994
Air Jordan XI – “Class Act” – 1995
Air Jordan XII – “The Dynasty Continues” – 1996
Air Jordan XIII – “Black Cat Pounces” – 1997
Air Jordan XIV – “Race Ready” – 1998
Air Jordan XV – “Speed of Sound” – 1999
Air Jordan XVI – “Marching On” – 2001
Air Jordan XVII – “Jazzed Up” – 2002
Air Jordan XVIII – “Last Dance” – 2003
Air Jordan XIX – “Full Flex” – 2004
Air Jordan XX – “Living Greatness” – 2005
Air Jordan XX1 – “Performance Luxury DNA” – 2006
Air Jordan XX2 – “Hit the Afterburners” – 2007
Air Jordan XX3 – “The Number of Greatness” – 2008
Air Jordan 2009 – “Beyond”
Air Jordan 2010 – “Full Speed Ahead”
Air Jordan 2011
Air Jordan 2012 – “Choose Your Flight”
Air Jordan XX8 – “Dare to Fly” – 2013
Air Jordan XX9 – 2014
Air Jordan XXX – 2016
Air Jordan XXXI – 2016
Air Jordan XXXII (32) – 2017
Air Jordan XXXIII (33) – 2018
Air Jordan XXXIV (34) – 2019
With an amazing 10 scoring titles, six championships and just as many Finals MVP Awards, Michael Jordan is recognized by many as the greatest athlete in NBA history. Even now, there are few who rival his mystique. And though he's no longer playing, the legacy he left behind continues to inspire young players around the globe.
So… which Air Jordan is your favorite of Michael Jordan's signature sneakers? We'll take the IX — an OG classic.