When we think about basketball sneakers and athletic shoes, Air Jordan is among the first names that hit our minds. The brand has become a cultural phenomenon, transcending its origins as a signature shoe for basketball legend Michael Jordan to become a global fashion icon. It was created and designed in the United States by Nike.
Air Jordan has dominated the market for years, as no one can compete with its incomparable material and product quality. Athletes and enthusiasts worldwide aspire to sport Air Jordan shoes even though they might be expensive. But have you ever wondered how Air Jordan got such great popularity to become a sensation in the footwear fashion line? We have got you the history of Air Jordan, tracing its evolution and examining the factors contributing to its enduring popularity.
History of Air Jordan
In 1984, as Michael Jordan prepared for his rookie season, he received approaches from Adidas, Converse, and Nike to sign shoe deals. Michael was first interested in collaborating with Adidas, but Nike convinced him of this alliance. During their meeting, Nike strategically centered its presentation on a highlight video featuring Jordan's impressive slam dunks, set to the tune of "Jump (For My Love)" by the Pointer Sisters. While showcasing the initial shoe design, Jordan expressed dissatisfaction with the color scheme. Nike took Jordan's criticism into account, making him a "stand-alone star" and offering him a signature shoe line.
Michael Jordan signed a five-year, US$2.5 million contract with Nike on October 26, 1984, 3x more than any other deals in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Nike launched the Air Jordan sneakers line in April 1985 intending to make $3 million in its initial three years. Surprisingly, sales generated $126 million in revenue in a year, greatly exceeding expectations.
According to NBA regulations, the shoes must match the rest of the team's footwear and be 51% white. Each game that violated these rules was subject to a $5,000 fine (which would increase to $14,000 in 2022). Nike created the Air Jordan I in the Chicago Bulls' red and black team colors, but only 23% of the shoe was white, which violated NBA policy. Nike agreed to pay each charge, resulting in both controversy and media attention surrounding the shoe.
The NBA fined Michael Jordan for wearing the Air Jordan shoes, making them famous, and breaking the rules. Nike turned this into a big deal with an ad for the Air Jordan I, "Banned." This enhanced the shoe's publicity; 50,000 pairs were sold out, making over $150 million in sales.
When discussing the successful history of Nike Air Jordan shoes, Michael Jordan's accomplishments on the basketball court helped establish the Air Jordan brand's elite status. His on-court performance and the iconic style of the sneakers made Jordans a must-have shoe for basketball fans and sneakerheads worldwide.
Why Are Air Jordans So Popular?
One of the main reasons why Air Jordan is so popular is Michael Jordan, whom they are named after, was an amazing basketball player, and people wanted to wear the same shoes as him. Furthermore, the brand constantly releases new designs and limited editions, making them even more unique and sought after.
• Iconic Design and Style
One of the primary reasons for Jordans' lasting success is their distinct design and style. Each Jordan sneaker release offers a fresh design and colorway, making them highly desired by sneakerheads and collectors.
Despite having so many previous releases, the Air Jordan brand can remix classic sneaker designs in such a way that each new pair feels fresh. The Jordan 1, Jordan 4, and Jordan 11 are some of the most popular Jordans that the brand regularly releases.
The Jordan 1, particularly, is regarded as a classic and is the most searched pair by collectors.
People love its simple and classy design, featuring the iconic Swoosh logo and the Jordan "Wings" logo, showcasing the history and importance of the brand.
The Jordan 4 came out in 1989 and brought new design elements like plastic lacewings and mesh netting on the sides. In 1995, the Jordan 11 was released, highlighting features like shiny leather and carbon fiber, which were uncommon in sneakers back then.
• Best Quality and Durability
The Air Jordan brand has always prioritized quality, and their attention to detail can be seen in every aspect of the sneakers, from the stitching to the materials used.
They are crafted using premium-quality materials such as full-grain leather, nubuck, and synthetic textiles. These materials provide excellent comfort, breathability, and durability, ensuring long-lasting performance.
Air Jordans often incorporate innovative elements, such as Nike Air cushioning, Flywire support, and Zoom Air cushioning. These enhance comfort, support, and responsiveness, making the sneakers suitable for everyday wear and athletic activities.
Not many sneaker brands go to such lengths to ensure the level of quality and endurance of their products, which answers the question, “Why is Air Jordan so popular?”.
• Exclusive Limited Releases
Jordans are exclusive, and its business model of releasing limited editions is another aspect contributing to their popularity. Some Jordan releases are exceptionally limited, increasing their value and desirability among collectors and those who want sneakers that are hard to get.
Starting with the Air Jordan 1 'Chicago' in 1985, the Air Jordan brand has a long history of limited releases.
Today, this approach has become one of the critical aspects of the Jordan brand's marketing strategy, and the business goes to considerable lengths to create excitement for each new release.
The Air Jordan brand also makes limited-edition sneakers to celebrate significant occasions or milestones. For example, the Air Jordan 6 'Infrared' was created in 1991 to celebrate Michael Jordan's first NBA championship.
Jordan has also collaborated with various reputable brands and designers, including Off-White, Travis Scott, and Dior. These collaborations have resulted in some of the most coveted and expensive Jordan sneakers, with limited editions and exclusive design elements.
Furthermore, many musicians and rappers have designed their limited edition Jordans, including DJ Khaled's 'We The Best' Jordans and Drake's OVO x Jordans.
• Check Out Our Range of Jordan Sneakers
Origins NYC is your one-stop shop if you are seeking ultra-rare, limited-edition luxury Jordans.
You can check out our incredible range of Jordan Sneakers and choose according to your budget, style, and preferences.
When it comes to unique and limited-edition streetwear collections, we at Origins NYC understand the significance of authenticity. That is why our in-store professionals thoroughly authenticate each item before making it available for sale. We quickly remove any items discovered to be counterfeit from our inventory. This lets you shop confidently, knowing you are receiving the real stuff.
Conclusion
The popularity of Jordans can be attributed to several factors, including the brand's history and legacy, distinctive design and style, high-quality construction and materials, exclusivity, and ownership and branding. Given its limited releases, the brand has become a cultural icon that many people highly desire.
Whether you are a sneakerhead, basketball fan, or just appreciate classic design and quality craftsmanship, the Air Jordan brand has something for you.