This series was sparked by the typical conversation between The Basher (dummy), and G (sneakerhead). The conversation typically goes like this:

(Random kid walks by wearing Air Jordan sneakers)

Basher: G, Which Jordan’s are those?

G: Oh, well those are the Space Jams. Real exclusive shoe right there.

Basher: Space Jams?? Isn’t that a movie? What?

G: (sigh)

Basher: I don’t get it. I thought they went by numbers. I’m lost.

(NOTE: The Basher is in no way a dummy for not knowing each Jordan. I’m way moreso the real dummy for spending thousands of dollars on sneakers.)

So rather than use my superpowers (in this case, vast sneaker knowledge) for evil, I will instead help those in need. If you stay tuned to this series of posts, never again will you ask: “Dude, which number Jordan’s are those?” Now you’ll confidentlly point, “Daaaaamn, check out those 7′s.”

Before we get into the nitty gritty of each and every shoe, and their concept, I feel like it’s first necessary to provide some background on Nike, and why they made the (multi kabillion dollar choice) on the lanky kid from the University of North Carolina, to have his own shoe. Back in those days, shoe endorsement deals weren’t nearly as common as they are today. Most companies were searching for a way to market there sneakers better, but couldn’t come up with that perfect idea. Well Nike, as it seems, knew that Michael Jordan would be their ticket from a wavering running shoe company, to a global sports brand.  Jordan on the other hand, was totally disinterested in Nike, and was a fan of Adidas. At UNC, Jordan wore Converse and was also comfortable with their shoes. Converse was unwilling to give a legitimate offer as they already had Larry Bird and Magic Johnson signed onto their endorsement roster. Adidas was more focused on it’s European roots at the time, and also didn’t give Jordan the deal he was looking for. Still loyal, Jordan was likely going to take an Adidas offer ($500,000) until his agent, David Falk, and Jordan’s parents talked him into checking out Nike’s presentation.

Jordan had never worn, or even seen a Nike basketball shoe before, but was slightly impressed by Nike’s video presentation. However, upon seeing the sneaker and clothes prototypes, he mocked the “devilish” colors (In those days, shoes were traditionally solid white on the court). Nike raised their offer to match Adidas, along with giving him is own signature shoe, and a percentage of the revenues. Jordan still went back to Adidas to see if they’d raise their deal, which they wouldn’t, making his decision on Nike a much easier choice.

So let’s get to the shoes. In this entry, we’re going to focus on the first two Jordan sneakers: The Air Jordan 1 and 2.

The Air Jordan One:

This shoe was designed by Peter Moore, and was released by Nike in 1985 for $65. This shoe’s claim to fame, besides being the first Jordan, was that it was banned by the league, because it went against the NBA uniform regulations. Jordan was fined $5,000 dollars every time he wore the shoe. Nike, loving the attention ($$$) this gave their product, paid the fines for Jordan. Combine Jordan’s awesome play as a rookie, and the controversy of his shoes, and Nike had ‘The Perfect Storm’. The only difference was that this storm rained down money–in millions.  The Air Jordan One has outsold all other Jordan’s made, and sold out instantly when re-released in 2001. Jordan wore these for his first two season in the NBA.

Fun Fact: These shoes came with two sets of laces, one black and one red. Sweeeeet!

The Air Jordan Two:

In Jordan’s third season, he sported these shoes, which were designed based of 19th century Italian boots. Featuring Italian leather, these shoes were produced in Italy and were the only Jordan’s not to originally be released in a black color scheme. This was also the first Nike shoe, not to have a Nike “swoosh” on it. You may also notice that in the first two pair of Jordan’s, the logo is a basketball floating on a cloud of wings. This logo was originally drawn on a cocktail napkin! These were re-released in 2004, in it’s original color along with a Carmelo-colored edition.

That being said, I like to refer to this generation of sneakers as “The Winged Logo” Jordan’s.

So here we have it ladies and gentleman, the 1 and the 2. Easy so far right??

-G