Nike and Michael Jordan came together to form a partnership that revolutionized the sneaker industry for the better over the past three decades. Air Jordan shoes have become a staple in pop culture and have been worn by some of the most influential athletes and celebrities in history. Despite Air Jordan's popularity, it wasn't always so dominant. Air Jordan shoes are a cultural icon today, and this article explores their history and evolution.

Air Jordans were born

As a rookie basketball player from the University of North Carolina, Michael Jordan was signed by Nike in 1984. Nike saw the opportunity for Jordan to launch a signature shoe line after he had just signed with the Chicago Bulls. Air Jordan was introduced by Nike in 1985, featuring innovative Air cushioning technology invented by Peter Moore. The shoe was designed by Peter Moore, despite the NBA banning it for not meeting its dress code. As Nike continued to market the shoe, it quickly became a hit.

The Air Jordan II

This was the first Air Jordan shoe to not feature the Nike Swoosh logo, as Jordan wanted to make it solely dedicated to his brand. In 1986, the Air Jordan II was designed by Bruce Kilgore and included a leather upper, a full-length Air cushioning unit, as well as a distinctive design inspired by luxury shoes. know more

The Air Jordan III

As a result of Tinker Hatfield's design work, the Air Jordan III was released in 1988. The shoe had several innovative design elements, including the elephant print on the upper and the visible Air cushioning unit in the heel. Furthermore, the Air Jordan III was the first shoe to feature the Jumpman logo, which has become synonymous with Air Jordan and helped establish the brand as a cultural icon.

The Air Jordan IV

Additionally, Tinker Hatfield designed the Air Jordan IV in 1989. It featured a mesh panel on the upper and plastic wing eyelets as a result of Michael Jordan's love of motorsports. A signature design element of future Air Jordans was introduced with the "Flight" logo.

The Air Jordan V

The 1990 Air Jordan V was designed by Tinker Hatfield and featured shark tooth on the midsole. It also featured a clear outsole, which was a first for Air Jordans. The shoe was inspired by WWII fighter planes.

The Air Jordan VI

The Air Jordan VI was released in 1991 and was also designed by Tinker Hatfield. It featured a sleek design inspired by Michael Jordan's Porsche, with a molded heel tab and a visible Air cushioning unit in the heel. In addition, it had a unique design element, with perforations marking "Air Jordan."

The Air Jordan VII

Air Jordan VII was designed by Tinker Hatfield and released in 1992. Michael Jordan also wore the shoe at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics where he won his second gold medal. It was inspired by African tribal art and featured unique design elements like a neoprene inner sleeve and a Huarache-like sock liner.

The Air Jordan VIII

The Air Jordan VIII, designed by Tinker Hatfield, was released in 1993. Michael Jordan wore the shoe when he retired from basketball in 1993, continuing the sleek aesthetic of previous Air Jordans.

The Air Jordan IX

It was designed by Tinker Hatfield and released in 1994. It features a globe graphic on the outsole and a "23" on the heel tab, inspired by a statue in Jordan's hometown of Wilmington, North Carolina.

The Air Jordan X

This Air Jordan was designed by Tinker Hatfield and released in 1995. Jordan's career accomplishments were printed on the outsole of this Air Jordan shoe, which was the first Air Jordan shoe released after Jordan retired from basketball. More info about jordan reps.

Yeezy shops are a collaboration between Adidas and Kanye West, an American designer, rapper, entrepreneur, and celebrity. There is a distinctive "Y" pattern on the sneaker, either a concave design or laser engraving, a pattern treatment co-designed by Kanye West and Smith, on the Adidas Yeezy Rap.