Air Jordans:

About Air Jordans

The Air Jordan shoes numbered series has come a long way since it originally released as a Nike Basketball shoe. On the way to the top, it transcended the shoe industry as well as the game itself. Preceding the initial Air Jordan 1 (I), Nike basketball shoes were typically white, and Michael, as well as his shoes, were frowned upon for rocking colorways that did not go along with NBA rules. In fact, MJ was fined for wearing the classic black / red colorway in the shoe.

As each new AJ model released, the brand grew even more, and each year, something special was created. Michael came together with some unique designers, the most famous being Tinker Hatfield, who designed a wide range of AJ silhouettes including the Air Jordan 3 (III) through Air Jordan 6 (VI), the twentieth anniversary Air Jordan 11 (XI), the final numbered Air Jordan, the 23 (XXIII), and the Air Jordan 2010 (XXV). With all of the success that the two have combined for, we wouldn’t be surprised if they collaborated again.

With word surfacing about the Air Jordan 23 (XXIII) being the last numbered silhouette, fanatics wondered what was next. In 2005, Jordan Brand got creative, as they started releasing fusion models. Initially, they combined components of one single classic Air Jordan with those of the timeless Nike Air Force 1. Later on, they started creating hybrids that fused together elements of different Air Jordans.

The company continues to keep old fans, all the while drawing in new ones. The combination of their hybrids, Team Jordans, and retroing of classic colorways from the AJ numbered series has created a formula for success that is unmatched.

Air Jordans were an instant hit thanks to a high flying rookie as well as one of the best marketing campaigns put together by Weiden and Kennedy. Air Jordan shoes have been the top selling signature basketball shoe that Nike has ever produced. In addition to the signature Air Jordan shoes, Jordan Brand has a major presence in the basketball and lifestyle market.

Despite the fact that Michael Jordan retired from basketball in 2003 (for the 3rd time) Air Jordans are still the top selling models for many sneaker retailers. The legacy of Michael Jordan lives on with the release of new Jordans each year and re-releasing retro Air Jordan shoes. Retro Air Jordan shoes are remakes of the classic Air Jordans either in the colors Mike wore back in the day, or slightly modified to match with current trends.

Beginning in 2005, Jordan Brand has brought back several “hybrid” Jordan shoes that take individual components from different Air Jordan shoes and form one individual shoe. As part of the 23 year celebration, Jordan Brand started a multi-year campaign “fusing” the Air Force 1 with Air Jordans creating the Air Jordan Fusions.

Air Jordans are loved by many, probably the fact that Michael Jordan started his rookie season with a bang. Throughout the years you needed a pair of Air Jordan shoes to be in style, and was just apart of fashion. Michael Jordan and the Air Jordan line have dominated the NBA, and many opponents, but the Air Jordan XX3 may be the last pair. Not as bad as you may think, you still have 23 Air Jordan shoes to pick from. If your in the market for a new pair of Air Jordans, we have a Air Jordan Release Dates page.