Air Jordan
Air Jordan is the basketball brand built around Michael Jordan and one of the most sought-after sneaker lines in the world. What started in 1985 with a single signature shoe grew into a brand with dozens of numbered models, its own apparel and a huge community of collectors. The retro releases of the early models in particular are popular today, with women and men alike.
The history of Air Jordan
In 1984 Michael Jordan, then a rookie with the Chicago Bulls, signed an endorsement deal with Nike. A year later the Air Jordan 1 appeared, designed by Peter Moore. The versions in the Bulls’ red, white and black became iconic straight away, and the ‘Wings’ logo on the ankle dates from that time as well.
For the Air Jordan 3 of 1988, Tinker Hatfield took over the design. He involved Jordan himself in the process and added the Jumpman logo, the elephant print and a visible Air unit. After that a new numbered model appeared almost every year, and in 1997 Jordan Brand became a standalone brand within Nike, with other athletes signed as well.
What Air Jordan is known for
Air Jordan stands for the combination of basketball history and streetwear. Many models are tied to a moment in Jordan’s career, such as ‘The Shot’ in 1989: his game-winner in the play-offs against the Cleveland Cavaliers, made in the Air Jordan 4. Those stories, together with re-releases in the original colorways, have kept the line relevant for decades. The adverts starring director Spike Lee as his film character Mars Blackmon, starting with the Air Jordan 3, also helped make the brand big.
Collaborations draw a lot of attention too. With partners such as Off-White, Travis Scott, Union LA and A Ma Maniére, versions appeared that sold out fast and remain in demand on the resale market. Every new collab also puts older models back in the spotlight.
Popular Air Jordan models
- Air Jordan 1 – the first model, available as High, Mid and Low and the foundation of almost every Jordan collection.
- Air Jordan 3 – Hatfield’s first design, recognisable by the elephant print and the visible Air in the heel.
- Air Jordan 4 – with mesh panels, plastic ‘wings’ for the laces and a bold, technical look.
- Air Jordan 11 – the 1995 model with shiny patent leather around the sole, a classic off the court as well.
How do Air Jordan sneakers fit?
Most Air Jordans fit true to size. You can order the Air Jordan 1 and 3 in your usual Nike size; the Air Jordan 4 is a little snugger around the forefoot, so with wide feet half a size up is more comfortable there. Leather models can feel stiff when new, but soften after a few wears.
Kids’ and teen sizes are called GS (Grade School) at Jordan. Those versions sometimes use different materials from the adult pair, so check carefully which version you are looking at in smaller sizes.
Buy Air Jordan at WOOVIN
On WOOVIN you will find Air Jordans for women and men, from a low-key Jordan 1 Low for every day to collabs with Travis Scott and Union LA. Because fakes are common with Jordans, the stock comes from verified stores that confirm for each pair that it is authentic. Choose a model, filter by your size and compare the available colorways side by side.
