In 1984, the NBA banned a pair of shoes. Nike paid the fine every game. Michael Jordan wore them anyway. Forty years later, this story is worth more than any ad campaign.
THE GAME CHANGED THAT DAY.
A twenty-one-year-old rookie, a contract no one thought was profitable, a shoe too red for the rules. Air Jordan was born at the exact moment basketball stopped being just a sport.
The Jumpman that follows on every pair is not a logo. It is a silhouette in suspension, that of a player who seemed to stay in the air longer than the others.
FIND YOUR PAIR.
Air Jordan 1 — The one that started it all. 1985, high top, leather and two bold colors. Banned yesterday, worn everywhere today. If you only have one, get this one.
Jordan 2 — 1986. Made in Italy, no swoosh, closer to a dress shoe than a sneaker. The discreet one of the family.
Jordan 3 — 1988. Elephant print, visible Air bubble, the Jumpman for the first time. It is the one that kept MJ at Nike.
Jordan 4 — 1989. Plastic open-mesh eyelets, perforated side panels. A buzzer-beater shot, and Spike Lee bringing them into cinema.
Jordan 5 — 1990. Translucent sole, flames on the upper, overt fighter jet inspiration. The most explosive of the bunch.
Jordan 6 — 1991. The one from the first title. Dual-loop tongue, sculpted heel. Comfort that still holds up thirty years later.
Jordan 11 — 1995. Patent leather and ballistic mesh: the only sneaker you can wear with a suit without it looking strange.
Jordan 1 High Zoom Air CMFT — The 1985 silhouette, today's Zoom Air cushioning. For those who want the look without the difficult day.
THE COLLABS
Artists, labels, designers: each collaboration rewrites the pair in its own way, in limited quantities. These are the ones that sell out in minutes and end up on display rather than on feet.
WEAR THEM HOWEVER YOU WANT
Every day. Jordan 1, straight jeans, oversized t-shirt. A bomber jacket on top and you're set.
Sport. Jordan 4 with a matching tracksuit. Bold colors, minimal accessories.
Dressed up. Jordan 11, tailored trousers, blazer. The patent leather does all the work.
MAKE THEM LAST
Soft brush and suitable cleaner for dirt. Protective spray before the first outing, not after the first stain. Store in a dry place, away from direct light, otherwise the soles will yellow.
