Who Said Man Was Not Meant to Fly? The Evolution of Nike Air Jordans

Air Jordan 1 "Bred" (1985)

Dubbed the 'Banned' Jordan, the Air Jordan 1 'Bred' gained notoriety when the NBA allegedly fined Michael Jordan $5,000 per game for violating uniform policy due to its bold black-and-red designs, shoes were meant to be 51% white. This controversy fueled Nike's now-legendary marketing campaign with the tagline: 'On October 15th, Nike created a revolutionary new basketball shoe. On October 18th, the NBA threw them out of the game.' The buzz propelled the Air Jordan 1 into cultural immortality.

Air Jordan 1 "Royal" (1985)

The Air Jordan 1 'Royal' was a personal favorite of Michael Jordan, even though he never wore it in an NBA game. Its sleek black-and-blue design helped showcase how the Jordan line could blend performance with style. It appealed to basketball players and fashion enthusiasts alike. Its popularity showed how the power of celebrity and good design combined to launch a cultural icon.

Peter Moore

Legendary designer Peter Moore drew the clean lines, beautiful styling and iconic winged basketball logo. In that first design Moore captured the essence of what would become a game-changing partnership between Nike and Michael Jordan. It marked the beginning of a new era where sneakers became more than sports equipment—they became symbols of identity.

Air Jordan 3 "White Cement" (1988)

The Air Jordan 3 'White Cement' marked the debut of Tinker Hatfield as the lead designer for the Jordan line. Featuring the first-ever Jumpman logo and elephant print detailing, the AJ3 blended style with performance. Worn during the 1988 NBA Dunk Contest, it captured Michael Jordan's soaring 'Free-Throw Line Dunk,' solidifying its legendary status.

Air Jordan 5 "Fire Red" (1990)

Inspired by World War II fighter planes, the Air Jordan 5 'Fire Red' introduced reflective 3M tongues and a translucent outsole. Worn during the 1989–1990 NBA season, it represented Jordan’s relentless drive and electrifying gameplay. The aggressive design symbolized his 'attack mode' on the court.

Jumpman Logo

After college, Jordan played for Team USA in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, participating in a photoshoot for LIFE magazine before the games began. Photographer Jacobus Rentmeester captured what would become the iconic Jumpman pose. Jordan again recreated the pose in 1985 for a Nike photoshoot. Architect and shoe designer Tinker Hatfield saw the image and incorporated it into the Air Jordan 3. Jordan has said of the pose. “I wasn’t even dunking on that one. People think that I was. I just stood on the floor, jumped up, and spread my legs... it was a ballet move” Michael Jordan interview in HOOP Magazine (1997)

Item 1 - Photo LIFE, Jacobus Rentmeester

Item 2 - Photo Nike, 1985

Item 3 - Jumpman Logo, Tinker Hatfield

Air Jordan 6 "Infrared" (1991)

The Air Jordan 6 'Infrared' was on Michael Jordan's feet when he won his first NBA Championship in 1991. Designed with a sleek, aerodynamic look, it featured a reinforced heel tab and visible Air cushioning. This victory marked the beginning of the Chicago Bulls’ dynasty and cemented the AJ6’s legendary status.

Air Jordan 7 "Olympic" (1992)

When Ray Allen wore Air Jordan 7s at the 2000 Sydney Olympics the design was already 8 years old. Jordan had worn them in 1992 Barcelona games, and they were dubbed the 'Olympic'. Designed without visible Air units the 7 offered lighter weight and improved fit. Given Jordan was playing for the US 'Dream Team' the colorway was deliberately partriotic.

Item 1 - Ray Allen, 2000 Sydney Olympics

Item 2 - Air Jordan 7, the Olympic

Air Jordan 11 "Concord" (1995)

In 1993 Jordan announced his first retirement. He returned in 1995 wearing the Air Jordan 11 'Concord,'. Its glossy leather and translucent sole redefined performance footwear. Jordan and the Chicago Bulls’ had a record-setting 72-win season; the Concord became iconic in the same years as its birth.

Air Jordan 13 "He Got Game" (1997)

The Air Jordan 13s were inspired by a cat featuring a paw-like outsole and a holographic 'cat's eye.' However, the 'He Got Game' nickname came from Spike Lee's 1998 film of the same name, where they were worn by Denzel Washington. Filming took place in 1997 and not even Jordan had seen the shoes, but it proved to be brilliant product placement. When Jordan and Bulls won the NBA again that year, his final season with the team, another pair of Air Jordan's was added to the growing list of icons.

Item 1 - 'He Got Game' poster

Item 2 - Jordan on court for the Bulls in 13s.

Off-White x Air Jordan 1 "Chicago" (2017)

Famed, designer Virgil Abloh turned to the Air Jordan 1 for inspiration when he produced his "Chicago", a collab between Off-White and Nike. The "Chicago" merged high fashion with streetwear. With exposed stitching, bold text details, and an industrial zip tie, it symbolised the growing influence of Air Jordans in luxury and contemporary fashion.

Dior x Air Jordan 1 (2020)

The groundbreaking collaboration between Jordan Brand and French luxury house Dior broke the internet. The Dior x Air Jordan 1 exemplified the continuing fusion of sportswear, streetwear and haute couture. Crafted with premium materials, including Dior's signature monogram print, this limited-edition sneaker became a global symbol of exclusivity and elegance, while maintaining its link with the famous Air Jordan 1.

Air Jordan 5 "Tokyo T23" (2011)

The Tokyo 23 was made for a basketball tournament held in the city in 2011; the event was sponsored by Nike. Japanese hip-hop group Nitro Microphone hosted, and this, the bright yellow suede upper and black detailing, and the exclusive release showed just how the Jordan Brand crossed continents and and cultures. 23 was a nod to Michael Jordan's sweater number and the special wards of Tokyo.

Eminem x Air Jordan 4 "Encore" (2005)

Just 50 pairs of the collaboration with rapper Eminem were made. The Air Jordan 4 'Encore' featured a bold blue and black colorway. It highlighted the deep connections between Air Jordans and hip-hop culture. Produced in 2005 the collab further cemented Jordan's place in music and fashion. The shoe had a reissue in 2017, but NIke still kept it exclusive with only 23 pairs released.

Air Jordan 1 "Shattered Backboard" (2015)

In 1985 while playing in Trieste, Italy, Michael Jordan shattered the backboard during a dunk. 30 years later AIr Joran celebrated the event with the 'Shattered Backboard'. The sneaker features orange, black, and white colors reminiscent of his uniform. The series reflects how Air Jordan's referenced their own history, and how sneaker culture is constantly calling on and speaking to that history.

Air Jordan 34 (2019)

When Nike and Jordan Brand produced the 34 in 2019, just had they had with the 1 pushed the boundaries of sneaker design. Lightweight performance, a stripped-down design and Eclipse Plate technology which gave enhanced stability and responsiveness. Its minimalist construction produced little waste, reflecting Jordan Brand’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in high-performance footwear.

Air Jordan 36 (2021)

The Jordan 36 was all about weight saving. The sneaker's open weave was breathable, light, and strong enough to provide support. This upper is so open that you can shine a light through it and the sockliner was perforated to further cut weight. The design also put the foot in closer contact with the technological advanced sole. This incorporated Zoom Air Strobel, which was engineered for the specific movements of basketballers.