23 Things You May Not Know About Air Jordans

From Jordan bringing sports luxury to the NBA to the first $200 sneaker, here are 23 things you didn’t know about the Air Jordan brand.

Air Jordan 1 1985 2016
Complex Original

Image via Complex Original/David Cabrera

Air Jordan 1 1985 2016

When it comes to anything dealing with tradition and legends there are likely some behind-the-scenes type stories that we don’t always know about—the Air Jordan series is no different. Whether it was Michael Jordan hating a design or unusual influences, Jordan sneakers have some untold history too. We decided to put together a list of 23 things you may not know about Air Jordans. Check it out and let us know which facts are new to you.

Sources unless otherwise noted include Jordan: History of Flight, Swoosh, by J.B. Strasser and Laurie Becklund, and multiple interviews including this one with Tinker Hatfield.

Michael Jordan wanted to sign to adidas over Nike.

Michael Jodan Adidas

How the Air Jordan "Wings" logo was created.

Jordan Wings logo

Michael Jordan didn't like "black and red" sneakers.

Air Jordan 1 'Bred'

People were skeptical the first Air Jordan 1 would sell.

Michael Jordan Air Jordan 1 Banned Ad 1985

The Air Jordan II didn't have a Swoosh.

Air Jordan 2

The Air Jordan II was the first luxury basketball sneakers.

Air Jordan 2 Low White Red

The Air Jordan III stopped Michael Jordan from leaving Nike.

Air jordan 3 black cement

The Air Jordan V was the first basketball sneaker with 3M.

Air Jordan 5

Michael Jordan was injured in the Air Jordan VI, but he didn't care.

Air Jordan 6 Infrared

How the "Hare Jordan" campaign with Bugs Bunny happened.

Air Jordan 7 Hare

Tinker Hatfield still designed Air Jordans when Michael Jordan retired for the first time.

Air Jordan 9 "Space Jam"

MIchael Jordan wasn't happy with the Air Jordan X.

Air Jordan 10 Toe Cap

The Air Jordan XI was inspired by a lawn mower.

air jordan 11 bred playoff 2012 378037 010 lateral

Michael Jordan wore the Air Jordan XI against Nike's wishes.

Air Jordan 11 Concord

Why people wear the Air Jordan XI with suits.

Air Jordan 11 'Prom Night' 378037 005

When Jordan Brand was created.

Jumpman Logo

Michael Jordan wore the Air Jordan 1 in 1998.

March 8, 1998 Michael Jordan

Why the Michael Jordan statue is wearing Air Jordan IXs.

Air Jordan Statue

The Air Jordan XVII was the first $200 basketball sneaker.

Air Jordan 17

Michael Jordan didn't want the Air Jordan XIX to be inspired by snakes.

Air Jordan 19 'Melo/Flint Grey' (Lateral)

The Air Jordan XXI has a secret message on it.

Air Jordan 21

Why you should like the Air Jordan XX3.

Air Jordan 23 "All Star"

Why Air Jordan release dates are on a Saturday.

Air Jordan Release Dates August 2019