The Ultimate Guide to Jordans Shoes by Year: A Collector's Dream
Indulge in the iconic legacy of Jordans shoes by year, the coveted footwear that has captivated sneaker enthusiasts globally. With over 30 years of unparalleled innovation and cultural significance, let's delve into the chronicles of the legendary Air Jordan line, year by year.
1984: The Birth of an Icon
In 1984, a partnership between Nike and basketball prodigy Michael Jordan ignited a revolution in the sneaker world. The Air Jordan 1, designed by Peter Moore debuted with unparalleled performance and a bold, distinctive style that captured the hearts of fans.
| Year |
Model |
Key Features |
| 1984 |
Air Jordan 1 |
Banned from NBA due to its bold colorway; high-top design; iconic "wings" logo |
| 1985 |
Air Jordan 2 |
Introduced Italian leather construction; featured visible Air cushioning in the heel |
1986: Innovation Takes Flight
Building on the success of its predecessors, the Air Jordan 3 marked 1986 as a groundbreaking year. Designed by Tinker Hatfield, the shoe introduced the iconic "Elephant Print" detailing and became the first Jordans to incorporate a visible Air unit in the forefoot.
| Year |
Model |
Key Features |
| 1986 |
Air Jordan 3 |
Adjustable ankle strap for a customized fit; debuted Jumpman logo on the tongue |
| 1987 |
Air Jordan 4 |
First to feature a mesh upper for breathability; introduced the Flight logo on the heel |
1988: The Legacy Continues
The Air Jordan 5 took the sneaker world by storm in 1988 with its futuristic design and unparalleled comfort. Featuring a combination of leather, mesh, and rubber, the shoe became an instant favorite both on and off the court.
| Year |
Model |
Key Features |
| 1988 |
Air Jordan 5 |
Transparent sole with visible Air cushioning; iconic shark tooth design on the midsole |
| 1989 |
Air Jordan 6 |
Inspired by Michael Jordan's love for golf; featured a molded polyurethane midsole for enhanced stability |
1990: A Decade of Dominance
As the 1990s dawned, Jordan Brand solidified its dominance with the release of the Air Jordan 7. This iconic shoe, designed by Hatfield, introduced the "Tuned Air" system for superior cushioning and became a symbol of Michael Jordan's unwavering determination on the court.
| Year |
Model |
Key Features |
| 1990 |
Air Jordan 7 |
First to feature a sculpted midsole for improved flexibility; signature "23" on the heel |
| 1991 |
Air Jordan 8 |
Inspired by Japanese samurai culture; featured a high-cut collar and buckle strap |
1993: The Last Dance
In 1993, Michael Jordan retired from basketball for the first time, marking the end of an era. The Air Jordan 9, designed by Hatfield, paid homage to Jordan's legacy with a timeless design featuring a patent leather upper and visible Air unit.
| Year |
Model |
Key Features |
| 1993 |
Air Jordan 9 |
Last Jordan shoe to be worn by Michael Jordan before his first retirement; featured a nubuck upper and a high-top design |
| 1994 |
Air Jordan 10 |
Limited release due to Jordan's retirement; featured a sleek, low-cut design and a carbon fiber shank |
1995: The Return of a Legend
Michael Jordan's triumphant return to basketball in 1995 marked the beginning of a new chapter for Jordan Brand. The Air Jordan 11, designed by Hatfield, became an instant classic with its sleek design, patent leather upper, and carbon fiber plate.
| Year |
Model |
Key Features |
| 1995 |
Air Jordan 11 |
Features a patent leather upper and carbon fiber plate; iconic "45" on the heel |
| 1996 |
Air Jordan 12 |
Inspired by the Rising Sun flag of Japan; features a quilted leather upper and a Zoom Air unit |
Success Stories
- A collector named Benjamin Kapelusz amassed over 2,500 pairs of Jordans shoes by year, with some pairs fetching up to $100,000.
-
Jaron Kanfer, another avid collector, turned his passion for Jordan shoes into a multi-million dollar business.
-
DJ Clark Kent is renowned for his extensive Jordan collection, which includes rare and highly sought-after models.
