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Basketball superstar Michael Jordan thrilled fans with his almost superhuman ability to jump higher than what seemed physically possible. In 1985, still only a rookie, Jordan helped design a shoe that would make history, even as his own career as an athlete was just beginning its stellar rise.
#23 became the spokesman for Nike’s Air Jordan line, and his cult-like status with young people propelled both the brand and the star. Basketball’s popularity exploded with Jordan’s amazing abilities. Everywhere he went, Jordan wore his trademark black, white, and red hi-tops, and the brand “Air Jordan” came from the athlete’s nickname.

 

Ironically, Jordon was fined $1000 every time he wore the shoes during a game. NBA regulations prohibited players to wear black on the court, and the Air Jordans featured black detailing. But he wore the sneakers regardless, and in support, his fans wore them as well, living out the fantasy of having something that might make them as untouchable on the court as Michael.

 

Unfortunately, the sneakers touched off the nasty habit of kids stealing the shoes from each other. The technologically advanced sneakers sported a list price of well over $100, and violence was often reported as teens snatched them off other kid’s feet.

 

Michael Jordan’s career continued to skyrocket and new models of Air Jordans appeared every year. After scoring multiple titles, MVP awards, and NBA Championship rings, Jordan retired after the 1997 – 98 season. However, the sneakers didn’t retire with him. His newly free schedule allowed him to devote more time to the company, and he currently has a complete line of shoes and apparel under Nike’s Jordan brand. That kind of talent just doesn’t go out of business.