Image via Complex Original
MJ, His Airness, the greatest basketball player ever—whatever you call Michael Jordan, there's no denying that his legend transcends far beyond the reach of sneakers or sports. It takes only a brief scroll through Tumblr to realize how many great pictures of Jordan exist, even from the pre-Internet days. And, luckily for us, there's a high probability Jordan was wearing a grade A pair of sneakers, too—not all of which were Air Jordans, either.
We've dug through endless Tumblr feeds to find the coolest pictures of Jordan wearing great sneakers, and we were surprised at some of the gems we unearthed. Jordan wearing Flight Ones and adidas? Yup, it all happened, and here's the proof: Here are The 25 Best Michael Jordan Sneaker Pics on Tumblr.
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Even Boston couldn't deny that Jordan looked fresh in his Fire Red Vs.
Sneaker: Nike Air Jordan V
Celtics fans hate every other team. Combine that with the fact Jordan dropped 63 points on them in '86, and it was hard to find a Bulls fan in Beantown. Who cares? When your signature sneaker is the "Fire Red" Air Jordan V, you make the rules. And Jordan did, as he strutted down the court against an aging Celtics squad.
Did these guys think that their kicks would still be in your local Foot Locker to this day?
Sneaker: Nike Air Jordan XI
Do you think Penny and Jordan realized that 18 years later they would still be two of the biggest signature athletes in the game? When Jordan laced up his "Space Jam" XIs to play the Magic, he might have thought Shaq was one of the Monstars, but even that day, Jordan would still have the toughest sneakers on the court.
For once, Jordan and Bird weren't trying to out-shoot each other in fast-food commercials.
Sneaker: Nike Air Jordan III
This picture is proof of how futuristic and mold-shattering the Black Cement IIIs were. Take a look at Larry Legend's Converse Weapons—they look old and outdated compared to Jordan's mid-tops. What's the chance that Jordan kicked it to Bird on the fast break for the corner three? We're not putting our money on it.
Grapes are good for you and so is making it onto a Wheaties box.
Sneaker: Nike Air Jordan V
For an athlete, nothing signifies that you're the fucking man than being on a box of Wheaties. In Jordan's case, he would have this honor a handful of times, but nothing looked fresher than when he sported his Grape Vs and matching jumpsuit to slang the cereal.
We'd like to think it was Jordan's white/red XIIIs that locked down Kobe Bryant.
Sneaker: Air Jordan XIII
Kobe probably thought his KB8s were pretty fresh, but—as great of a sneaker as they are—they aren't quite as fresh as Jordan's XIIIs. Let's face it, people line up for Jordans. The now Crazy 8s sell OK, but are still on the shelves at stores. His Nikes, on the other hand...
Jordan was a thorn that Patrick Ewing couldn't get rid of, even in their rookie season.
Sneaker: Nike Air Jordan 1
Patrick Ewing is a sneaker legend in his own right, but he wouldn't start his eponymous brand until a few years down the road. As a rookie, Ewing wore a pair of adidas Forum His facing up Jordan in his black and red 1s.
That's right, Jordan once balled in a pair of Pennys.
Sneaker: Nike Air Flight One
To avoid a fine from the NBA for not matching his team's sneakers, Jordan had to give his Concord XIs a break during a playoff series against the Magic and go with a pair of more conventional Nike Air Flight Ones. Imagine that, Jordan wearing Penny's sneakers as he played against him.
Unfortunately, even the Black Metallic Vs couldn't save Jordan from the Bad Boy Pistons.
Sneaker: Nike Air Jordan V
The "Black Metallic" Air Jordan V is a great sneaker: The reflective tongue, just a hint of red, it's nearly perfect. Still, as awesome as his kicks were that year, they couldn't will Jordan and the Bulls to the NBA Finals. No sweat, he'd grab his first ring the next season.
Charles Barkley couldn't catch Michael Jordan—or his "Hare" VIIs.
Sneaker: Nike Air Jordan VII
The "Hare" Air Jordan VII was great enough to be worn by Bugs Bunny, and for Jordan to take Charles Barkley to school during his Sixers days, too. Sir Charles just can't catch a break, and we're not sure if he's eyeing the ball or MJ's fresh pair—although Chuck's 180s were plenty serious, too.
Believe it or not, Mike didn't always wear basketball shoes while he was with Nike.
Sneaker: Nike Air 180
We don't suggest you argue that the Air Max 180 is a better sneaker than the Air Jordan VI, but, screw it, here's the potential evidence: Jordan wearing the gold-Swooshed runners as he prepared to embarass every country at the Barcelona Olympics.
Carmine VIs don't match old UNC practice shorts, but we'll give Jordan a pass.
Sneaker: Nike Air Jordan VI
Jordan's lucky shorts were from his college days, which he still wore even as he was ready to claim his first NBA Championship. He also debuted the Carmine VIs that same year. Was it the shoes or the shorts that brought him to glory? You decide.
This is why you should break out everything, even your favorite sneakers.
Sneaker: Nike Air Jordan XI
We know, you keep your Concord XIs on ice so they look extra crispy. But, check this pic of Jordan and Pippen—his sneakers shine even if after they've been worn. The lesson? Wear your sneakers, please.
Better sneaker moment: Grant Hill in FILA or Jordan wearing his PE Xs?
Sneaker: Nike Air Jordan X
Grant Hill's sneakers with FILA were something serious. However, Jordan wearing the Chicago Xs, with 45 stitched on the side, will stunt on any sneaker brought against it. Even if you always liked him more in the two-three.
Even Cool Grey XIs couldn't bring the Wizards to the promised playoff land.
Sneaker: Air Jordan XI
Jordan still put numbers on the board in the nation's capital, but he couldn't will a sorry Wizards squad to a playoff appearance in two seasons. It's a shame, the Cool Grey XIs—and Jordan—deserved better.
Jordan is smirking because he knows he kept Barkley from ever winning a ring.
Sneaker: Nike Air Jordan VIII
Charles Barkley's sneaker game is not to be passed up. Even to this day, people are going crazy for a pair of Chuckposites. But don't get it twisted, Jordan wearing VIIIs in '93—along with a John Paxson jumpshot—shut the Round Mound of Rebound out of ever dining in the victor's hall. Sorry, Chuck.
The Jumpman with The Three Stripes? Could have happened.
Sneaker: adidas Forum
Oh, what could have been. Coming out of college, Mike wanted to sign with adidas, and all they had to do was match Nike's offer. They didn't, so this shot of him in Forums from the 1984 Olympic Trials is all we—and adidas—have.
Cutting into a cake that looks like your signature sneaker must taste like success.
Sneaker: Nike Air Jordan IV
"White Cement" IVs are great for wearing. They also make a great cake. For his 26th birthday, Jordan was treated, by Nike, with a replica of his on-court sneakers. Hopefully he gave his mom the first piece.
Jordan wasn't always coached by Phil Jackson, but he always looked cool in Fire Red IIIs.
Sneaker: Nike Air Jordan III
What's weirder: Seeing Jordan coached by someone other than Phil Jackson or seeing Doug Collins with hair? Either way, this pic is mandatory viewing before you lace up the Fire Red IIIs you just copped last weekend.
The King of Pop would need a little help to D up Jordan.
Sneaker: Nike Air Jordan VII
Remember how crazy people went over Bordeaux VIIs just a few years ago? Now imagine if that release had been coupled with promotions with the biggest pop star of all time. Still, we think Jordan could take the other MJ off the dribble in his day. We're just saying.
Jordan knew how to properly stunt in the most luxurious of his signature sneakers.
Sneaker: Nike Air Jordan II
The Air Jordan II is an unfairly slept on sneaker, but even Jordan knew that his Made in Italy signature sneaker was way flyer than anything else on the court. Also, this would be the first time the only Swoosh Jordan was wearing was on his T-shirt, rather than his sneakers. (For the record, that whole outfit is fire.)
Jordan and the mad scientist, Tinker Hatfield, hard at work.
Sneaker: Nike Air Jordan VI
Tinker has designed pretty much every sneaker worth wearing. Who knew he had a mean menswear game also? His suede chukka boots look extra cool next to Jordan's white/maroon VIs. Hey, can you bring that sneaker back just once? Please?
The Olympic VIIs were the perfect sneaker to wear while celebrating in Spain.
Sneaker: Nike Air Jordan VII
The '90s were great—the pro athletes were all our heroes, and the '92 Dream Team was the greatest basketball squad ever assembled. Jordan got the chance to wear his too-cool Olympics VIIs and celebrate in the flyest of Champion gear. Even people like Drake are still trying to imitate this look.
If he keeps his Black Cement IVs in his gym bag, then what are on his feet?
Sneaker: Nike Air Jordan IV
If it were up to us, we'd wear Black Cement IVs everyday, but even Jordan had to give them a break from time to time. As seen here, he kept the now-legendary kicks for strictly on-court action, this time at the 1989 All-Star Game.
Oh come on—what did YOU wear in college?
Sneaker: Converse Pro Star
Michael Jordan is best-remembered for wearing the Converse Pro Leather at UNC—that was what he had on when he hit his first last shot against Georgetown in the 1982 NCAA title game. But before he declared for the NBA draft, he moved on to the (slightly) higher-tech Pro Star. Did you know, did you know, did you know?
Michael Jordan is a man of diversified taste: He enjoys a good pair of runners just as much as his on-court sneakers.
Sneaker: Nike Air Huarache
It's rare to see Jordan wear anything except his own sneakers, but even the greatest player ever knows that runners, especially Huaraches, are way more comfortable than clunky basketball sneakers any day. They also look cool with a pair of black shades to hoist a second championship, too.
