Few basketball players have had a greater impact on the sport than Michael Jordan. His impressive career, both on and off the court, has inspired countless players and enthusiasts worldwide. One of the most iconic aspects of his game was his footwear, with the shoes he wore on the court becoming just as legendary as his moves. Fans and sneakerheads alike have often wondered: what shoes did Jordan play in?
Jordan’s sneaker history began in 1984 when Nike released the Air Jordan 1. Since then, he’s had numerous signature models released under his name, each featuring unique designs and technologies that have redefined the sneaker industry. With so many options, it’s no wonder people are curious about which shoes Jordan wore during his most memorable moments on the court. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into Jordan’s shoe history and explore the shoes that made him a legend.
Michael Jordan is known for wearing a variety of shoes during his career, but the most iconic are the Air Jordan sneakers. The first Air Jordans were released in 1985 and became an instant hit. Jordan wore the Air Jordan 1 during his rookie season and continued to wear different versions of the shoe throughout his career. Other notable shoes he wore include the Converse Fastbreak, Nike Air Ship, and the Air Jordan XI.
What Shoes Did Jordan Play in?
Michael Jordan is a legendary basketball player known for his incredible skills on the court, but he’s also famous for his signature sneakers. Jordan’s footwear line, produced by Nike, has become one of the most popular and successful sneaker brands in the world. With so many iconic styles to choose from, it’s easy to wonder which shoes Jordan actually wore during his basketball career. Let’s take a closer look.
1. Air Jordan 1
The Air Jordan 1 was first released in 1985 and was the first shoe in the Jordan line. This iconic sneaker was designed by Peter Moore and features a high-top silhouette with a Nike swoosh on the side. Jordan wore the Air Jordan 1 during his rookie season and throughout the 1985-86 season. Despite being banned by the NBA for not meeting the league’s uniform regulations, Jordan still wore them and received a $5,000 fine for each game.
The Air Jordan 1 was a game-changer in the world of sneakers and laid the foundation for the Jordan brand. Today, the shoe is still highly sought-after by collectors and fans alike.
2. Air Jordan 3
The Air Jordan 3 was introduced in 1988 and was designed by Tinker Hatfield. This shoe marked a turning point for the Jordan brand, as it was the first to feature the iconic Jumpman logo. Jordan wore the Air Jordan 3 during the 1988 Dunk Contest, where he famously took off from the free-throw line and soared to the basket.
The Air Jordan 3 also featured the innovative “elephant print” design on the toe and heel, which has since become a signature element of the Jordan brand. Jordan continued to wear the Air Jordan 3 throughout the 1988-89 season, including during the NBA All-Star Game and the playoffs.
3. Air Jordan 6
The Air Jordan 6 was released in 1991 and was designed by Tinker Hatfield. This shoe featured a sleek, streamlined design with a visible Air unit in the heel. Jordan wore the Air Jordan 6 during the 1991 NBA Finals, where he famously won his first championship with the Chicago Bulls.
The Air Jordan 6 also featured a unique “carmine” colorway, which was a departure from the traditional black and white sneakers that Jordan had worn in the past. The shoe was a huge success and helped cement the Jordan brand as a major player in the sneaker industry.
4. Air Jordan 11
The Air Jordan 11 was released in 1995 and was designed by Tinker Hatfield. This shoe featured a patent leather upper and a translucent rubber outsole, giving it a futuristic look. Jordan wore the Air Jordan 11 during the 1996 NBA Playoffs, where he led the Bulls to another championship.
The Air Jordan 11 also featured a low-cut version, which Jordan wore during the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. This marked the first time that a low-cut basketball shoe had been worn in the Olympics, and it helped popularize the trend of low-cut sneakers.
5. Air Jordan 13
The Air Jordan 13 was released in 1998 and was designed by Tinker Hatfield. This shoe featured a unique “panther paw” design on the outsole, as well as a holographic Jumpman logo. Jordan wore the Air Jordan 13 during the 1998 NBA Finals, where he won his sixth and final championship.
The Air Jordan 13 also featured a low-cut version, which Jordan wore during his final season with the Bulls. The shoe was a fitting tribute to Jordan’s incredible career and remains a fan favorite to this day.
6. Air Jordan 18
The Air Jordan 18 was released in 2003 and was designed by Tate Kuerbis. This shoe featured a sleek, modern design with a full-length Zoom Air unit for added comfort. Jordan wore the Air Jordan 18 during his final season with the Washington Wizards.
The Air Jordan 18 also featured a unique “shroud” design that covered the laces, giving it a streamlined look. The shoe was a departure from the more colorful and flashy designs of previous Jordan sneakers, but it still became a popular choice among fans and collectors.
7. Air Jordan 29
The Air Jordan 29 was released in 2014 and was designed by Tinker Hatfield and Mark Smith. This shoe featured a lightweight, breathable design with a performance woven upper. Jordan wore the Air Jordan 29 during his appearances at the 2014 NBA All-Star Game and the 2014 FIBA World Cup.
The Air Jordan 29 also featured a unique Flight Plate technology, which helped to maximize the shoe’s responsiveness and cushioning. The shoe was a testament to the continued innovation and evolution of the Jordan brand.
8. Air Jordan XXXI
The Air Jordan XXXI was released in 2016 and was designed by Tate Kuerbis. This shoe featured a modern design with a Flyweave upper and a full-length Zoom Air unit. Jordan wore the Air Jordan XXXI during his appearances at the 2016 NBA All-Star Game and the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
The Air Jordan XXXI also featured a unique “Banned” colorway, which paid tribute to the Air Jordan 1 and its infamous ban by the NBA. The shoe was a popular choice among basketball players and sneakerheads alike.
9. Air Jordan 34
The Air Jordan 34 was released in 2019 and was designed by Tate Kuerbis. This shoe featured a streamlined design with a herringbone traction pattern for improved grip. Jordan did not wear the Air Jordan 34 during his playing career, but he was involved in the design process and helped to shape the shoe’s look and feel.
The Air Jordan 34 also featured a unique Eclipse Plate technology, which helped to maximize the shoe’s energy return and cushioning. The shoe was a testament to the continued innovation and evolution of the Jordan brand.
10. Air Jordan 36
The Air Jordan 36 is set to be released in 2021 and is designed by Tate Kuerbis. While we don’t know much about the shoe yet, we do know that it will feature a new FlyEase system that makes it easier to put on and take off. Jordan has been involved in the design process and has praised the shoe’s performance and comfort.
The Air Jordan 36 is sure to be a popular choice among basketball players and sneakerheads alike, and it will be interesting to see how it stacks up against the other iconic Jordan sneakers that have come before it.
In conclusion, Michael Jordan has worn a wide variety of sneakers throughout his basketball career, but each one has played a significant role in shaping the Jordan brand and its legacy. From the iconic Air Jordan 1 to the innovative Air Jordan 36, Jordan’s footwear line continues to push the boundaries of performance and style.
Frequently Asked Questions
Michael Jordan is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Throughout his career, he wore several different types of shoes that have become iconic in the world of basketball. Here are some commonly asked questions about the shoes Michael Jordan played in.
What were Michael Jordan’s first shoes called?
Michael Jordan’s first signature shoe was called the Air Jordan 1. It was first released in 1985 and was designed by Peter Moore. The shoe was initially banned by the NBA because it did not meet the league’s uniform regulations. However, Nike continued to promote the shoe, and eventually, the NBA lifted the ban. The Air Jordan 1 is now considered a classic and is still popular today.
The Air Jordan 1 was designed to be comfortable and provide support for players on the court. It featured Nike’s Air cushioning technology and a high-top design that offered ankle support. The shoe was also available in a range of colors and styles, making it popular among basketball players and sneaker enthusiasts alike.
What shoes did Michael Jordan wear during the 1992 Olympics?
During the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, Michael Jordan wore the Air Jordan 7. The shoe was designed by Tinker Hatfield and was released in 1991. The Air Jordan 7 was inspired by African tribal art and featured several unique design elements, including a neoprene inner bootie and a reinforced heel tab for added support.
The Air Jordan 7 was also the first shoe in the Air Jordan line to feature Huarache technology, which provided a snug fit and improved support. Michael Jordan wore a special edition of the Air Jordan 7 during the Olympics that featured the USA Basketball logo on the heel.
What shoes did Michael Jordan wear during his famous “Flu Game” in 1997?
During Game 5 of the 1997 NBA Finals, Michael Jordan famously played through a severe case of the flu. He wore the Air Jordan 12, which was designed by Tinker Hatfield and released in 1996. The Air Jordan 12 featured Zoom Air cushioning and a full-length carbon fiber shank for added support and stability.
The Air Jordan 12 was also the first Air Jordan shoe to feature a Zoom Air cushioning system. The shoe was inspired by the Japanese flag and featured a unique design that included a leather upper and a stitched pattern that resembled a rising sun. The Air Jordan 12 is considered one of the most iconic shoes in the Air Jordan line.
What shoes did Michael Jordan wear during his last NBA game?
Michael Jordan’s last NBA game was on April 16, 2003, when he played for the Washington Wizards against the Philadelphia 76ers. He wore the Air Jordan 18, which was designed by Tate Kuerbis and released in 2003. The Air Jordan 18 featured a unique design that was inspired by Italian dress shoes.
The Air Jordan 18 also featured a hidden lacing system and a full-length Zoom Air cushioning system for added comfort and support. The shoe was available in several colorways and is considered one of the most stylish shoes in the Air Jordan line.
What shoes did Michael Jordan wear when he won his first NBA championship?
Michael Jordan won his first NBA championship in 1991 while wearing the Air Jordan 6. The shoe was designed by Tinker Hatfield and released in 1991. The Air Jordan 6 featured a unique design that included a rubber tongue with two holes for easy on and off access, as well as a reinforced toe cap for added durability.
The Air Jordan 6 also featured Nike’s visible Air cushioning technology and a high-top design for added ankle support. The shoe was available in several colorways, including the iconic “Infrared” colorway, which is still popular today.
The Story Behind All 6 of Michael Jordan’s ICONIC Championship Sneakers
Michael Jordan is not just a basketball player, he is an icon. The shoes he wore on the court have become a symbol of his greatness and have inspired generations of basketball players and fans alike. The question of what shoes Jordan played in is not just a trivia question, it is a part of his legacy. His shoes have become a cultural phenomenon that goes beyond basketball.
The shoes Jordan played in were not just any ordinary shoes. They were a representation of his style, his attitude, and his competitive spirit. They were a part of his journey to greatness, and they continue to inspire people to chase their own dreams. Jordan may not be playing basketball anymore, but his shoes are still making an impact on the game and on the world. They are a reminder of what it means to be a true champion, and they will always be a part of his legacy.
