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Air Jordans have been an intricate part of the sneaker game since they were first introduced in 1985. Whether it was the Jordan 1 getting banned, MJ dunking from the foul line in the Jordan 2, or making us believe he could fly in the Air Jordan 3, our memories our filled with Air Jordan history. But even when Michael was captivating crowds with his acrobatic performances his sneakers didn’t always fly off the shelves. Getting a pair of Jordans during his active career was much easier than grabbing a pair now (with some exceptions). The selling out of every release is relatively new to the history of Jordans. With the new generation of "sneakerheads" and the craze about Jordans over the past few years, there is often an argument that some of the buyers never even saw Jordan in flight or know anything about the history of Air Jordans—we got you. Next time you’re chopping it up with a group of your peers you will have a better understanding about the sneakers Air Jordan history you are grabbing and its place in the sneaker culture. Especially for those debates about who had the greatest sneakers. Sorry, Kobe and LeBron. But whether you're new to the sneaker game or an old 'head who has been putting in work for years, there's a lot to learn when it comes to Air Jordans and their history. Hit the jump to check out The Complete History of the Air Jordans I – XX8 and feel free to share your thoughts and Jordan stories in the comment section.
RELATED: The 100 Best Air Jordans of All Time
Air Jordan I
Air Jordan I
Year released: 1985
Price: $65
Designer: Peter Moore
Most Popular Colorways: Black/Red, Black/Royal, Black Toe, Chicago
First Retroed: 1994
To think, the first Air Jordan almost never even existed after Michael was so adamant that his agent get him a deal with adidas. Nike made it happen and the vision was to treat its new star like a tennis player, which at the time was the sport that had the best sneaker endorsements. The Air Jordan I wasn't changing the game with innovation at the time, but the Dunk-like silhouette was the perfect template to feature some of the best colorway combinations and please the eye aesthetically.
The Jordan I's $65 price tag at the time had people balking at grabbing a pair but NBA commissioner David Stern ended up being the one with the best "marketing plan" for the sneaker. After MJ stepped out on the floor in the infamous black and red Is that Mike himself said looked like the Devil's shoe, the NBA fined Jordan $5,000 every game he laced them up for failing to meet the uniform code. The sneaker ban built so much buzz around the shoe that Nike gladly paid each fine and eventually watched the money pile up. Nike had to make a secondary colorway that fit NBA guidelines. And all this before the shoe even hit the market.
Michael had some of his greatest moments in the Jordan I, including his 63-point playoff performance that had Larry Bird comparing Mike to God and also the '85 Slam Dunk Contest draped in two gold chains (2 Chainz!). 13 years later Jordan would break out his first kicks one last time in his Chicago farewell tour stop at Madison Square Garden even though he had outgrown the pair by a full size. King.
Air Jordan II
Air Jordan II
Year released: 1986
Price: $100
Designer: Peter Moore
Most Popular Colorways: White/Black-Red, Carmelo Anthony PE
First Retroed: 1994
After all of the success of the Jordan I, Nike did a complete 180 with the design of the Air Jordan II. Once again Peter Moore was behind the design board and he broke every rule. The shoe was the first Nike shoe to not feature Swoosh branding anywhere on the sneaker. It was a risky move, but it ushered in an era where design, not a logo, was most important. The Jordan II was the only pair of Jordans to be made in Italy, and thanks to the faux-lizard skin on the upper and design inspiration from a women's boot (an inspiration that would pop up again with the Air Jordan XII) they brought a new level of luxury to sports product as well as pop culture warranting the $100 price tag. If these were a true retro today you could expect them to go for well over three bills.
The Jordan II originally only dropped in two colorways as well as a low-top version during it's first run, again completely opposite of the Jordan I that released in a countless number of color combinations. The shoe was a staple on shows like A Different World, proving it was just as coveted for off-the-court fashion as on-the-court performance. Shortly after Carmelo Anthony penned to Jordan Brand in 2003, JB cooked-up a special player edition in the Nuggets' blue and gold colorway for the young star, helping the Jordan II legacy carry on,
Air Jordan III
Air Jordan III
Year released: 1988
Price: $100
Designer: Tinker Hatfield
Most Popular Colorways: White/Cement, Black/Cement, Fire Red, True Blue
First Retroed: 1994
Michael wasn't too big on signing with Nike from the start and after two of the people who did the most to bring him to the brand (Peter Moore and Rob Strasser) left, he was considering a change of scenery as well—his initial deal was up in 1988. In the end, it was young designer Tinker Hatfield's incorporation of the elephant print and the Moore-conceived Jumpman logo on the revolutionary Air Jordan IIIs (and Michael's dad telling MJ that Nike had his best interest at heart) that convinced him to stay.
The shoe was originally named the Air Jordan Revolution and incorporated Mike's personality into the design concept. In the end, Nike decided to keep the Roman numeral system for marketing reasons and it also introduced us to Mars Blackmon after the brand decided to hire Brooklyn native Spike Lee to direct and star in the commercial. The gamble ended up being another win for the brand and 25 years later its iconic status isn't up for debate. Another timeless moment that helped etch the sneaker in history was MJ taking flight in the IIIs from the free-throw line during Chicago's All-Star Weekend and winning the Slam Dunk Contest—earning MVP honors in the black/cement pair during the game itself didn't hurt either.
Air Jordan IV
Air Jordan IV
Year released: 1989
Price: $100
Designer: Tinker Hatfield
Most Popular Colorways: White/Cement, Black/Cement, Military Blue, Fire Red, Lightning, Thunder, UNDFTD
First Retroed: 1999
Tinker was back and he transitioned the III to Jordan IV perfectly—once again incorporating the "Visible Air" in the midsole, classic Bulls colorways, and nubuck material for a clean but rugged look. When you Google “The Shot,” typically the first image you will come across is MJ's iconic bucket against the Cavs in the '89 Playoffs. In the fifth and final game of the first round (they only played five back then, kids) Jordan hit the game-winner on the road over Craig Ehlo, finishing with 44 points and one of his most memorable clutch shots. To make matters worse, if you watch the video it looks like MJ kicks Ehlo and knocks him down during his celebration.
Outside of the NBA, Spike Lee once again helped bring notoriety to the shoe in pop culture during a memorable scene of Do The Right Thingwhere Buggin' Out gets his white and cement pair stomped on by a white dude in Bed-Stuy rocking a Bird jersey. It was obvious that people outside of Chicago were donning Jordans no matter who their favorite squad was, proving Mike's status as the face of the league and sneaker game. And we have to name-drop the UNDFTD x Air Jordan IV collab—easily the greatest non-OG colorway, and that's saying a lot.
Air Jordan V
Air Jordan V
Year released: 1990
Price: $125
Designer: Tinker Hatfield
Most Popular Colorways: White/Fire Red-Black, White/Black-Fire Red, Black/Metallic Silver, Grape, Laney, Raging Bull Pack
First Retroed: 2000
The Jordan V took only a few elements from the first four Jordans and that’s how Tinker Hatfield wanted it. He was inspired by the World War II Mustang fighter plane, which is most evident when it comes to the "teeth" on the front of the midsole. Hatfield thought of Jordan’s game to be one of the same with how an airplane strikes: "Floating around the edges of the game and coming out of nowhere to attack.” MJ did just that, dropping a career-high 69 points versus the—wait for it—Cavaliers. Jordan was obviously a rising star and the reflective thick tongue was in direct response to his success, adding a reflective material for the camera flashes.
The Air Jordan V also catered to off-the-court colorway demands by introducing the "Grape" colorway that still rates as one of the best Jordans of all-time even though he didn't even rock them on the court. Will Smith rocking them on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Airmight have been just as vital to the movement, bringing further attention to a sneaker line that already had massive popularity. Years later JB kept pumping out soon-to-be classics with the Laneys during the initial wave of retro releases in 2000 and the "Raging Bull Pack" in 2009.
Air Jordan VI
Air Jordan VI
Year released: 1990
Price: $125
Designer: Tinker Hatfield
Most Popular Colorways: White/Infrared, Black/Infrared, Carmine, Olympic, Defining Moments
First Retroed: 2000
The Jordan II was luxury and the Jordan VI was inspired by MJ's personal luxury. Aside from the heel tab that was designed after Michael Jordan’s Porsche, this Jordan makeup was more of a Tinker Hatfield showcase including something from most of his designs—translucent soles, "Visible Air" in the sole, and it wouldn’t be a Jordan without new additions like the two-hole pull on the tongue which allowed for an easier entry of the foot borrowed by many kicks since.
The Jordan VI again was just as important off-the-court as it was on the hardwood—it popped up in various television shows and also made its way to the big screen. Even today it's a staple in your favorite rapper's sneaker rotation, especially Yeezus. With rumors about the classic "Carmine" colorway coming back in 2014, it doesn't look like the Jordan VI is going to fade from sneaker culture anytime soon.
In '91 the Magic versus Jordan hype trumped anything going on in the league today, even without social media. Jordan finally led the Bulls past the Bad Boys of Auburn Hills for a match-up against the Lakers in the NBA Finals. MJ suffered an injury to his foot in the second game of the series. When asked if he wanted a special shoe to help protect the injury or his usual VIs—Michael simply responded to the training staff, "give me the pain." MJ took the Lake Show down in five games, making it clear he wore the crown in the NBA.
Air Jordan VII
Air Jordan VII
Year released: 1991
Price: $125
Designer: Tinker Hatfield
Most Popular Colorways: Hare, Bordeaux, Black/True Red, Cardinal, Olympic
First Retroed: 2002
When most people see art or listen to music, they may only see or hear what’s on the surface. Tinker Hatfield tends to dig deeper and discover more than most would. When designing the Jordan VII, Tinker took ideas from Western African tribal art and Afro-pop, two very random but well-calculated places to find ideas for his next classic Jordan. He also took some ideas from his Huarache concept and added them for the perfect combination.
Like many other things in the Air Jordan legacy, the "Hare Jordan" ad campaign may look like a no-brainer now, but it represented quite the risk and investment back in '92. The initial ad alone cost $1 million (not including Jordan's salary), took six months to make, and required 3,000 separate illustrations drawn by 25 different artists. Another great look for the VIIs was the King of Pop himself inviting MJ to come "Jam" with him, rocking the "Bordeaux" VIIs all up in the video.
After wrapping up back-to-back NBA titles with a decisive win over the Blazers and the greatest shrug pre-Kanye, Michael was the face of the USA “Dream Team” consisting of a who’s-who of future NBA Hall of Famers (and Christian Laettner) in Barcelona. The squad murked international competition by an average of almost 44 points in route to bringing home the gold. Is that enough accolades for one sneaker? Thought so.
Air Jordan VIII
Air Jordan VIII
Year released: 1993
Price: $125
Designer: Tinker Hatfield
Most Popular Colorways: White/Black-True Red, Aqua, Black/True Red
First Retroed: 2003
Following the minimalist design of the Air Jordan VII, the Air Jordan VIII represented a tremendous shift in philosophy. While the goal of the Huarache-inspired VII was light weight, the VIII relied on cross-straps and a higher cut to provide the ultimate in cushioned support. The Jordan VIIIs on Jordan’s feet made the Bulls first three-peat complete. Just the third team in NBA history to do so, the Bulls routed the Suns in six games and Jordan claimed the Finals MVP (his third straight) after Sir Charles took the regular-season honors.
The "Aqua" VIIIs helped continue Jordan's sneaker dominance in the All-Star Game and had no shortage of fans in the streets or magazine covers. The sneaker also continued to bridge the gap with the relationship between Nike and Bugs Bunny—the straps did kind of look like bunny ears.
Air Jordan IX
Air Jordan IX
Year released: 1993
Price: $125
Designer: Tinker Hatfield
Most Popular Colorways: White/Black-True Red, Powder Blue, Charcoal, Cool Grey, Motorboat Jones
First Retroed: 2002
Shortly after his father was tragically slain, exhausted from the long season and his celebrity status, Mike left the game. He then surprised the world by signing a minor-league contract with the Chicago White Sox and had a brief career with the Birmingham Barons, a White Sox affiliate. Tinker Hatfield was told to abandon the Air Jordan line and move on to new things. But Tinker didn't think Mike was done with hoops quite yet, and continued to design new Air Jordans as if he'd never retired. Without his passion and belief, the Jordan line might have died after the VIII. Jordan never donned the Jordan IXs on the court but Nike did hook him up with some player editions for the diamond.
The Air Jordan IX dropped in a traditional Bulls colorway, white and powder blue to pay homage to his days in Chapel Hill, and an Olive pair that didn't link Mike to any team but eventually became a favorite off the court. Even without His Airness' on-floor endorsement, the sneaker continued to sell well and even had football players affiliated with Jordan Brand asking for a special make-up for the turf. And even though No. 23 never lit up the competition in the originals, the famous Jordan statue outside of the Bulls arena has Jordan wearing the IX’s.
Air Jordan X
Air Jordan X
Year released: 1994
Price: $125
Designer: Tinker Hatfield
Most Popular Colorways: Chicago, UNC, Steel Grey, Shadow Black
First Retroed: 2005
One would think that designing a signature sneaker for a player that wasn’t in the league anymore might leave Tinker with a lack of inspiration. The Xs came out really nice though, with ghilly lacing, Jordan's accomplishments listed on the outsole, and numerous colorways to represent different cities in the NBA. They were worn by guys like Kendall Gill, Nick Anderson, Harold Miner and Hubert Davis, though, which just wasn't the same.
Michael Jordan himself was disappointed with how the Jordan X originally ended up since he was not consulted on the final design as he normally was. When Hatfield finally tracked him down to show him the Xs, Michael responded “I don’t like it and you need to change it.” Hatfield had added a strip of leather across the toe, something that hadn't been on an Air Jordan since the V. Hatfield got on the horn the next day and had alterations made for the ensuing colorways after Jordan told Tinker (jokingly, we think) that he would make up the financial difference if they didn't sell as well as his previous models. Even the retro version of the "Steel Grey" Xs featured a clean toe. Mike is always right.
The Jordan X even dropped in a cleated version for baseball enthusiasts that were ready to be like Mike (hopefully with a better batting average) on the diamond, but with baseball on strike it meant another career change for MJ. “I’m back” was the headline on almost every national publication after Michael Jordan returned to the league wearing the 4-5 on March 18, 1995. Jordan played impressive even after being off a year and a half (ask the Knicks about that double-nickel), but the Bulls fell short to the Shaq- and Penny-led Orlando Magic in the Conference Semis. Either way, everyone was just glad that Mike was back in the building—well, maybe not everyone.
Air Jordan XI
Air Jordan XI
Year released: 1995
Price: $125
Designer: Tinker Hatfield
Most Popular Colorways: Concord, Playoff, Columbia, Space Jam, Cool Grey
First Retroed: 2000
During the Bulls playoff run in '95, Tinker unveiled the "Concord" XIs to Michael to see how he felt about the design. Jordan was so excited about the shoes that even against Tinker's wishes he rocked them on the court and forced Nike to go with the sample version design for the following season. The hype was so crazy from Michael holding up a pair and showing them off on television that the release in the fall was chaos. Sound familiar?
With the Jordan XIs Tinker was reaching for redemption. Not that the IXs or Xs weren’t great, but Hatfield admitted that they lacked the technical performance innovation that usually blew the sneaker world away. Many Jordan-heads will argue that the IIIs are the sickest model but the XIs might be more iconic due to MJ's return to excellence, the Space Jam cameo, and that clean patent leather design (inspired by, of all things, a lawnmower). Either way, had Twitter existed in November of 1995 you would have seen #TinkerBack.
Before the Air Jordan XI even hit shelves, Michael predicted the sneaker featuring smooth patent leather would get dressed up with suits. Sneakerheads talk about the Boyz II Men awards show appearance where they rocked the "Concords" and how it was likely a sign of things to come for one of the most iconic sneakers of all time. Go ahead and search the Internets for art, it can't be found, but it definitely happened. And even without that, you probably know someone who wore Jordan XIs to a wedding—possibly even their own. 18 years since the original release, few sneaker models cause as much commotion as the Jordan XIs—further proof this shoe's legacy will never die.
Air Jordan XII
Air Jordan XII
Year released: 1996
Price: $135
Designer: Tinker Hatfield
Most Popular Colorways: Taxi, Obsidian, White/Varisty Red, Playoffs, Black/Red (Flu Game)
First Retroed: 2003
The Air Jordan XIIs went back to traditional leather uppers (inspired in part by Japan's Rising Sun flag and in part by a women's boot), but kept innovations from the XI including the carbon spring plate. They were also the first Jordans to feature Zoom Air. The XIIs were also considered the most durable of the Jordan line and featured various dope colorways including the timeless “Flu Games" which were well-received by sneakerheads during each release.
Air Jordan XIII
Air Jordan XIII
Year released: 1997
Price: $150
Designer: Tinker Hatfield
Most Popular Colorways: White/True Red-Black, Playoff, Flint, White/Black-True Red, Black/True Red, Ray Allen PE
First Retroed: 2004
When the Air Jordan XIII was released in '97, a shoe was released under the Jordan Brand name for the first time. This was a long time coming—and something that Jordan's agent, David Falk, had wanted since the beginning, and Strasser and Moore wanted in 1987. A decade later, it was finally time. Enter CEO Jordan. The shoes rolled out along with the Air Jordan Trainers and Air Jordan Teams, making the line more than just signature shoes for the first time.
Tinker used Jordan’s on-court persona “Black Cat,” due to his speed and fast reflexes, as inspiration. The design of the shoe reflected the name perfectly with a fast look and cat eye hologram on the ankle. They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but we doubt Hatfield appreciated all of the fakes that hit the streets in some horrendous colorways.
Another Jordan, another pop culture moment—this time Denzel Washington helped make the original colorway of the XIIIs timeless thanks to his thirst for a pair fresh out of Attica as Jake Shuttlesworth in He Got Game. Even the ankle bracelet house arrest monitoring system and the $150 with tax wasn't about to stop Jake from grabbing a pair of fresh Js—he is not alone.
Air Jordan XIV
Air Jordan XIV
Year released: 1998
Price: $150
Designer: Tinker Hatfield
Most Popular Colorways: White/Black-Varsity Red, Playoffs, White/Varsity Red, White/Columbia Blue
First Retroed: 2005
For the Jordan XIVs Hatfield used inspiration from MJ’s Ferrari 550M to create a fast-looking, lower-cut model. The Ferrari-like badge, air "intakes" and the metal tips on the laces added to the high-tech feel. The shoes helped Mike win his sixth ring and will be remembered on his feet dragging across the key during his famous step back “final shot” against the Jazz in the NBA Finals. Like the XIs, the XIVs made their debut early and ended up being the last Jordan we saw MJ lace up rocking a Bulls uniform.
Air Jordan XV
Air Jordan XV
Year released: 1999
Price: $150
Designer: Tinker Hatfield
Most Popular Colorways: Black/Varsity Red, White/Red, White/Columbia Blue
First Retroed: 2007
The Jordan XVs ended a run with Tinker at the head of a sneaker line dynasty. With the XVs he took design cues from the X-15 fighter jet developed by NASA in the 1950s. The sneaker had numerous features that paid homage to some of MJ's favorite Italian designers with the red stripe up the back of the shoe as well as the woven upper.
Like the Jordan Xs, the XV also relied on active NBA players to help carry the line—players like Ray Allen and Reggie Miller favored the XV during the 1999-2000 season. Even though Jordan helped push the shoe through Jordan Brand ads, people wondered if the signature line had come to an end.
Air Jordan XVI
Air Jordan XVI
Year released: 2001
Price: $160
Designer: Wilson Smith
Most Popular Colorways: Black/Varsity Red, White/Royal, Ginger
First Retroed: 2008
A new school of kids were keeping the Jordan name strong into the 2000s, including Clippers duo Darius Miles and Quentin Richardson. The Air Jordan XVIs were released on MJ’s 38th birthday and were also the first Jordan since the IIs that were not designed by legend Tinker Hatfield.
The concept of the Jordan XVI was an on-court/off-court sneaker, keep the shroud on outside of the gym and remove it like tearaway pants (maybe don't rip it off) for game-time. It was also the first Jordan since the VI to feature Visible Air in the shoe—but the shoe was far from taking steps back with technology. Underneath the hood (shroud) was a mesh-infused upper, helping the player's feet breathe while working hard on the court. 12 years later, the "Ginger" colorway still holds up as one of the best non-Bulls colors in the Jordan series.
Air Jordan XVII
Air Jordan XVII
Year released: 2002
Price: $200
Designer: Wilson Smith
Most Popular Colorways: White/College Blue, White/Varsity Red, White/Lightning-Black
First Retroed: 2008
Mike was back...again, this time transitioning from the front office to a player for the Washington Wizards. The Jordan XVIIs were the first Jordan to retail at $200, granted it did come with a briefcase and interactive CD, but it hadn't been that long since $150 seemed sky-high. Funny though, we don't remember too many people complaining in line at Foot Locker. Another Jordan that drew inspiration from a car, Aston Martin to be exact. At this point you might take Jordan's love for whips serious.
Unfortunately for Jordan there weren't too many great moments in the Jordan XVII other than the "Lightning" Lows Mike rocked while missing an easy dunk in the All-Star Game. Michael Vick had a few top plays in the white and varsity red colorway while burning d-ends on the turf, again proving a new generation was ready for the takeover.
Air Jordan XVIII
Air Jordan XVIII
Year released: 2003
Price: $175
Designer: Tate Kuerbis
Most Popular Colorways: Black/Sport Royal, White/Varsity Red
First Retroed: 2008
The Jordan XVIII was laced with plenty of extra features, much like the XVII—a permanent lace cover, the first Jordan drawer box, and tread patterns for speed. The XVIII also released in low-cut versions for $25 less, appealing to players who wanted less restraint on the court. Designer Tate Kuerbis was influenced by high-end dress shoes which was evident in the pristine stitching and clean upper. It even came with a suede cleaning brush and towel.
In '03 Jordan returned to the form we were used to, relying more on smart baseline moves and body control versus flying over everyone like he did in the '80s and '90s. Mike was also elected to the 2003 All-Star squad and drained his signature fall-away jumper over Shawn Marion in the corner for what appeared to be the game winner and a capper for his illustrious career highlight film. Unfortunately, Jermaine O’Neal fouled Kobe shooting a three with a couple seconds left and the West stole the victory in overtime. The Wizards failed to make the playoffs and Jordan ended his NBA career for good (we think) on April 16, 2003 in Philadelphia.
Air Jordan XIX
Air Jordan XIX
Year released: 2004
Price: $165
Designer: Tate Kuerbis, Jason Mayden, Wilson Smith, Josh Heard, Suzette Henri
Most Popular Colorways: White/Chrome-Flint Grey, Black/Red
First Retroed: 2008
Tate Kuerbis was back at the helm, designing the Jordan XIX alongside Jason Mayden, Wilson Smith, Josh Heard, and Suzette Henri. With the XIX, the idea was to cook up a shoe in the Innovation Kitchen with an entirely lace-less system. Jordan's chefs did it again, space-age directional mesh called tech-flex allowed for players' feet to remain stable and supported (although they did use a thin lace as well). The SE version went back to conventional lacing in case it was in a player's head that the other pair wasn't going to keep their ankles from breaking.
The marketing plan was all set to roll out for the XIXs but there was one little issue—it had to be completely re-worked for the "black mamba" sneaker because Michael is afraid of snakes. Kobe Bryant should remain forever thankful (for this and, um, pretty much his whole career.) The first shoe since the IX that MJ never hooped in, Amar'e Stoudemire rocked them in the '04 Olympics but STAT and Team USA fell short of the gold for the first time since '88. This time, it probably wasn't the shoes.
Air Jordan XX
Air Jordan XX
Year released: 2005
Price: $175
Designer: Tinker Hatfield, Mark Smith
Most Popular Colorways: Black/Stealth-Varsity Red, White/Varsity Red-Black
First Retroed: 2008
Tinker back. The Jordan XXs tagline was “Welcome to the Future” as Jordan Brand pushed to celebrate Michael’s legacy and take his shoes to next level, pushing things with technology and letting Tinker do his thing on the design end. The Air Jordan XXs were inspired by cycling shoes and motorcycle tires and the laser-etched lace covers were a big hit. Hatfield used symbols representing different stages of the Jordan line and MJ’s life. During lengthy interviews with MJ, Hatfield heard stories even he hadn't heard before.
Air Jordan XXI
Air Jordan XXI
Year released: 2006
Price: $175
Designer: D’Wayne Edwards
Most Popular Colorways: Varsity Red/Metallic Silver-Black
First Retroed: 2008
The Air Jordan XXIs used premium Italian suede or full-grain leather and were aesthetically very simple and clean compared to most other Jordan releases. Again, inspired by a car, the high-quality materials were the draw for the XXIs. And just like bonus tracks on your favorite album, the Air Jordan XXI came with something extra that you might not have known was even there. Heck, you might still haven't seen it. If you ever hold them up to a black light, a special message illuminates. What is it? Find out for yourself.
This time it seemed like Mike himself was actually out of the game for good and the brand relied on its roster of All-Stars and designs built around Jordan's achievements and legacy to help carry on a signature series well beyond MJ's career lifetime. No other brand could do what Jordan's Brand was doing.
Air Jordan XX2
Air Jordan XX2
Year released: 2007
Price: $175
Designer: D’Wayne Edwards
Most Popular Colorways: Black/Varsity Red-Metallic Silver
First Retroed: 2008
The Jordan XX2s stepped it up with technology and design inspired by the F-22 Raptor jet. They also featured an incredible double-stacked Zoom Air pod for maximum comfort and stability—designer D'Wayne Edwards even cut weight from the heavier XXIs on his first Jordan design. The box stayed true to the stealth concept, made up of angles that made it difficult to stack in your closet (thank you, Container Store.) Ray Allen laced up in a 5/8 cut most of his season with the Sonics, killing his foes with endless treys and keeping the Jordan name alive on the court with greatness.
Air Jordan XX3
Air Jordan XX3
Year released: 2008
Price: $185
Designer: Tinker Hatfield, Mark Smith
Most Popular Colorways: White/Titanium/University Blue, White/Black-Varsity Red, Black/Varsity Red
First Retroed: Never Retroed
On the Air Jordan XXIIIs Tinker teamed up with Mark Smith and pushed to create a shoe that you could put on a table without any logos and you would know exactly what it was. The level of uniqueness helped them achieve the feat with an intricate pattern stitched through the majority of the side as well as the left and the right kicks not mirroring each other for the first time in the lines’ history. They were also the first Jordan to fall under the "Considered" line due to their more environmentally friendly construction.
The Zoom Air featured XXIIIs were also a staple throughout the season for Chris Paul and other JB athletes and the athletes paid homage to No. 23 by rocking different versions in the All-Star Game. The Premier (Black/Varsity Red), ended up having one of the most hyped releases of all time, dropping at only 23 locations in the US with each store only receiving 23 pairs each. These had sneakerheads nationwide scrambling to get a pair. Many camped out for a whole week braving the December elements just for a chance of getting their hands on these. After the snow cleared, many ended up on eBay and sold for upwards of $1,000.
Air Jordan 2009
Air Jordan 2009
Year released: 2009
Price: $190
Designer: Jason Mayden
Most Popular Colorways: White/Red
First Retroed: Never Retroed
After 23 Jordans were in the bag and it had been six years since Michael himself had been playing pro ball everyone wanted to know "would there be more?" Jordan Brand wasn't done, they ditched the traditional counting system (Air Jordan 2009) and instead used the sneaker release year for the models name—keeping the creation extremely quiet up to the release date. Nike/Jordan Brand went back to its roots using track as the basis of its design, incorporating Articulated Propulsion Technology which came from artificial limbs and promised to enhance split-second reaction times. And yes, they looked just as fast as they were on the hardwood.
Air Jordan 2010
Air Jordan 2010
Year released: 2010
Price: $170
Designer: Tinker Hatfield, Mark Smith
Most Popular Colorways: White/Black-Red, White/Red-Black
First Retroed: Never Retroed
Jordan Brand called on Tinker Hatfield and Mark Smith once again to push things creatively by adding a transparent thermoplastic urethane window. The window symbolized Michael’s ability to see through his opponents and anticipate their next move. The 25th Jordan was also the passing of the torch from one shooting guard to another, in the form of Chicago native Dwayne Wade, whom Mike himself hand-picked to carry on the legacy. Received with some mixed reactions due to the transparent window, the Air Jordan 2010 sure stood out. Eventually, after a few colorways and great performance reviews, Jordan fans warmed up to the shoe.
For people who couldn't get past the window, Jordan Brand produced an outdoor and team model that filled in the hole and came in various colorways so anyone could rock them on the courts. The outdoor pair came with a much stronger and rugged rubber outsole, taking the love of the game to the streets so you didn't have to worry about ripping your kicks while you were breaking ankles at The Rucker.
Air Jordan 2011
Air Jordan 2011
Year released: 2011
Price: $175
Designer: Tom Luedecke
Most Popular Colorways: White/Red, White/Black, Black/Black, Year of the Rabbit
First Retroed: Never Retroed
The Air Jordan 2011s are technically two shoes in one with the interchangeable midsoles catering to players on the perimeter and in the paint. For the first time the Jordan design team explored the idea of modularity in a performance basketball sneaker—meaning they wanted the shoe to adapt to different styles of play through flexible arrangement and use. This time Tom Luedecke was the de facto designer, best known for his work with Kobe's run at Nike and the Hyperdunk. On the outside the 2011 was one of the most aesthetic pleasing Jordans since he retired but the real advancement was the midsoles appeal to all positions.
D. Wade was the face of the 2011, which was worn by other Jordan Brand athletes like Ray Allen, Joe Johnson, and even MJ himself. Performance testing by the man himself was a must while the Bobcats owner helped develop some of his newbies in the system—Charlotte might have had a sub-par season but the 2011s proved to be another great moment in the Jordan line's history.
Air Jordan 2012
Air Jordan 2012
Year released: 2012
Price: $230
Designer: Tinker Hatfield, Tom Luedecke
Most Popular Colorways: Wolf Grey
First Retroed: Never Retroed
The 2012 Jordans took another step towards making the line more about performance than design and the reviews confirmed they were done right. The shoe offered multiple interchangeable booties and midsoles allowing a player six options on how they could "re-invent" the wingtip-influenced basketball sneaker. Hatfield and Luedecke let the zoot suit era help dress its most innovative Jordan at the time, again pushing down all boundaries for a performance sneaker. Some might have kept their credit cards in their wallet when they saw the original price tag but every aspect of the 2012 Jordan release was well worth it, although if you waited long enough they ended up on sale.
Air Jordan XX8
Air Jordan XX8
Year released: 2013
Price: $250
Designer: Tinker Hatfield, Josh Heard
Most Popular Colorways: Electric Green, Carbon Fiber, Why Not
First Retroed: Never Retroed
The latest and the greatest from Jordan Brand, when JB first introduced the military boot inspired basketball shoe, people were on social media clowning the latest Jordan attempt—the joke was on them. The high-cut shrouded silhouette was a bold move (nothing new) but once actual basketball players got their hands on them, there was nothing but rave reviews over the comfort and high-performance of the sneaker. The Air Jordan XX8 was much lighter than people anticipated and when rolled down it looked much more like a modern basketball sneaker. The $250 price tag didn't keep them from flying off the shelf during its initial release on the weekend of MJ's 50th birthday. Newly signed Jordan Brand athlete Russell Westbrook helped usher in another new era of Michael's army. The way things are progressing, we have a feeling we'll be talking about the Jordan L 22 years from now.