It’s 40 years since the very first iteration of the AJ1 was first unveiled, but in 2024 the Air Jordan trainers are still as popular as ever.
To celebrate this milestone, we’ve put together this list of four iconic moments in Michael Jordan’s career, which shot not just the sportsman but his footwear as well to unfathomable superstardom.
63 Points In The Boston Garden
The famous Boston Garden has witnessed countless iconic playoff moments, and one of the most memorable took place in 1986 when a young Michael Jordan faced off against the formidable Celtics, captained by Larry Bird.
Although the Bulls went down, MJ managed a staggering 63-point performance, which etched his name in basketball lore and marked one of the defining moments in his burgeoning career.
Complementing the classic performance was MJ's choice of footwear - the iconic Air Jordan. Sporting the Bulls' red away uniform, MJ rocked the timeless Chicago Bulls colourway of white and red, accented with touches of black, including the iconic Nike swoosh.
Slam-Dunk Contest
If you’re old enough and you love basketball, chances are you’ll remember the epic slam-dunk showdown of 1988, Michael Jordan and Dominique Wilkins captivated audiences with their aerial artistry to decide the winner of the NBA Slam-Dunk Contest.
However, it was MJ who stole the spotlight, earning a perfect 50 on his final dunk to clinch the title from a mesmerised Wilkins. After soaring from the free-throw line, the home crowd went wild for the Jumpman.
Some say it was that iconic dunk that propelled the Air Jordan III to its now-legendary status, while others believe it’s the innovative design that made it the universal hit it became.
Wherever you stand, it’s undeniable this moment played a part, with MJ footwear sporting the classic white AJ III design, adorned with the distinctive grey and black elephant print introduced by designer Tinker Hatfield which has since become a signature of the Jordan brand.
1991 NBA Championship Win
This was a pivotal moment in Michael Jordan's career, and many believe this was the moment he cemented his legacy as one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
Securing his first NBA Eastern Conference Championship against the LA Lakers and clinching his second MVP award was a momentous occasion, with MJ suitably booted in the iconic Jordan 6 'Infrared Black'.
Another of Tinker Hatfield’s creations, this silhouette marked a departure from previous conventions with its angular panelling and distinctive 23 branding, a nod to MJ's renowned team number. Additionally, the Jordan 6 was the last model to feature the Nike Air branding, which only cemented its place in sneaker history even more.
After the monumental success of the AJ3s, the upgrade to the Jordan 4s marked another iconic chapter in the now-box office superstar’s illustrious career.
Making its debut during the NBA All-Star game in February 1989 in Houston, the Jordan 4 'Fire Red' colourway was on full display a month later on March 21st, 1989, when the Bulls clinched a narrow victory by just one point in Inglewood.
In terms of design, Hatfield opted to move away from the elephant-printed overlays of the previous model, instead favouring a lightweight and synthetic leather construction for the Jordan 4.
Plastic-coated mesh panels were incorporated for enhanced breathability, while triangular winged accents were added to the eye-catching lace eyelets. The newly engineered midsole featured visible Air cushioning for the first time, providing optimal support and cushioning for seamless transitions on the court – as well as just looking the part!
So those are four moments every self-respecting basketball fan should be familiar with, as well as the footwear the G.O.A.T was wearing at the time
These days it’s difficult to imagine a world without these iconic shoes. But were it not for the man himself creating these memorable moments with the assistance of his trailblazing footwear, they might never have become the household names we know today.
If exclusive kicks are right up your alleyway, we have countless rare Jordans for sale, so check out our inventory for some of the most in-demand kicks money can buy!
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