When it comes to basketball shoes, there is no name more iconic than Michael Jordan. The Air Jordan line of sneakers has become a multi-billion dollar brand, with fans around the world eagerly anticipating each new release. But what many people may not know is what shoes Jordan wore before the first Air Jordans hit the market in 1985.
Before the Air Jordans, Jordan wore a variety of sneakers from different brands, including Nike, Adidas, and Converse. Some of his most notable pre-Jordan shoes include the Nike Air Ships, the Adidas Top Ten 2000s, and the Converse Pro Leathers. Each of these shoes played a role in shaping Jordan’s style and performance on the court, and laid the groundwork for the iconic Air Jordan line that would follow. So, let’s dive in and explore the fascinating history of the shoes that came before the Jordans.
Before the release of Air Jordans, Michael Jordan wore Converse All-Stars during his college career at the University of North Carolina. He also wore Adidas during his early years in the NBA, including the Adidas Concord and Adidas Ciero. However, Nike’s Air Jordan line became synonymous with the basketball legend and revolutionized the sneaker industry.
What Shoes Did Jordan Wear Before Jordans?
Michael Jordan is undoubtedly one of the most iconic athletes of all time. His influence on basketball and sneaker culture is immeasurable. However, before the famous Air Jordans, Jordan wore a variety of shoes from different brands. Let’s take a closer look at the shoes Michael Jordan wore before Jordans.
Nike Air Ship
The first shoe that Michael Jordan wore in the NBA was not the Air Jordan 1, but the Nike Air Ship. In 1984, Nike gave Jordan a pair of Air Ships to wear during the preseason. However, the NBA banned the shoes for not meeting the league’s dress code. Despite the ban, Jordan continued to wear them and received a $5,000 fine for each game he wore them. The Air Ship was the precursor to the Air Jordan 1 and was designed by Peter Moore.
The Nike Air Ship featured a leather upper, Nike Air cushioning, and a rubber outsole. The shoe was available in multiple colorways, including the iconic black and red “Bred” colorway. Although the Air Ship never achieved the same level of popularity as the Air Jordan 1, it remains an important part of sneaker history.
Converse Pro Leather
Before signing with Nike, Michael Jordan was a brand ambassador for Converse. In college, Jordan wore the Converse Pro Leather, which was a popular basketball shoe at the time. The Pro Leather was designed by Eric O. Pettinger and featured a leather upper, padded collar, and a rubber outsole.
The Converse Pro Leather was available in several colorways, including the classic white and black. The shoe was also popular among other NBA players, including Julius Erving and Larry Bird. Although the Pro Leather did not reach the same level of popularity as the Air Jordan line, it remains a significant part of Converse’s history.
Adidas
Before signing with Nike and Converse, Michael Jordan wore Adidas shoes. In high school, Jordan wore the Adidas Top Ten, which was a popular basketball shoe in the 1970s and 80s. The Top Ten featured a leather upper, padded tongue and collar, and a rubber outsole.
Jordan also wore the Adidas Forum during his college years. The Forum was designed by Jacques Chassaing and featured a leather upper, Velcro ankle strap, and a rubber outsole. Although Jordan never had a signature shoe with Adidas, his time with the brand was significant in his early basketball career.
Benefits of Wearing Different Shoes
Wearing different shoes can provide several benefits to basketball players. First, it can help prevent injuries by varying the stress placed on the feet and legs. Different shoes can also improve performance by providing specific features for different playing styles. For example, shoes with more cushioning can benefit players who jump frequently, while shoes with more support can benefit players who make quick lateral movements.
Wearing different shoes can also add variety to a player’s wardrobe and showcase their personal style. Many professional basketball players wear custom shoes that reflect their personality and interests. Wearing unique shoes can also help players stand out on the court and make a statement.
Conclusion
Before the famous Air Jordans, Michael Jordan wore a variety of shoes from different brands. The Nike Air Ship, Converse Pro Leather, and Adidas Top Ten and Forum were all significant parts of Jordan’s early basketball career. Although these shoes did not achieve the same level of popularity as the Air Jordan line, they remain important parts of sneaker and basketball history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about the shoes that Michael Jordan wore before the iconic Air Jordans were released.
What types of shoes did Jordan wear before the Air Jordans?
Before the Air Jordans, Michael Jordan wore several different types of basketball shoes. He wore Converse All-Stars during his time at the University of North Carolina. After joining the NBA, he wore Adidas, Pro-Keds, and even Nike shoes.
However, it wasn’t until the release of the Air Jordans in 1984 that Jordan solidified his partnership with Nike and created one of the most iconic sneaker lines in history.
Did Jordan have a signature shoe before the Air Jordans?
No, Michael Jordan did not have a signature shoe before the release of the Air Jordans. The Air Jordans were the first signature shoe created specifically for Jordan, and they were designed by Nike’s Peter Moore, Tinker Hatfield, and Bruce Kilgore.
The Air Jordans quickly became one of the most popular and recognizable sneakers in the world, and Jordan continued to release new versions of the shoe with Nike every year thereafter.
What was the first Nike shoe that Jordan wore?
The first Nike shoe that Michael Jordan wore was the Nike Air Ship. The Air Ship was a prototype basketball shoe that was similar in design to the Air Jordans, but it did not have the same level of technology and cushioning that the Air Jordans would later become famous for.
Jordan wore the Air Ship during his rookie season, but he was fined by the NBA for not wearing shoes that matched his uniform. This led to Nike creating a new version of the shoe, which would later become known as the Air Jordans.
What other basketball shoes were popular during Jordan’s early career?
During Michael Jordan’s early career, several other basketball shoes were popular among NBA players. Converse All-Stars were still a popular choice, and Adidas was also a popular brand among players.
Other popular shoes at the time included the Pro-Keds Royal, the Puma Clyde, and the Reebok Freestyle. However, none of these shoes had the same impact or influence on the sneaker industry as the Air Jordans.
What made the Air Jordans so popular?
The Air Jordans became so popular for several reasons. First, they were designed specifically for Michael Jordan and featured new technology and cushioning that had not been seen in basketball shoes before.
Second, Nike marketed the shoes aggressively and created a sense of hype and exclusivity around them. Finally, Michael Jordan himself became one of the most popular and influential athletes of all time, and his association with the Air Jordans helped to cement their place in sneaker history.
The Story Behind All 6 of Michael Jordan’s ICONIC Championship Sneakers
As a professional writer, it is fascinating to delve into the history of one of the most iconic sports brands in the world – Jordan. While many of us associate the brand with the famous Air Jordans, there is a lesser-known backstory to the shoes that Michael Jordan wore before the release of the Air Jordans. Before the release of the Air Jordans, Michael Jordan wore Converse basketball shoes. Yes, you heard it right – Converse basketball shoes. In fact, during the early days of his career, Converse was the official supplier of basketball shoes to the NBA, and Michael Jordan was no exception.
While the iconic Air Jordans have undoubtedly become a symbol of basketball culture worldwide, it is essential to remember that they would not have existed without the influence of Michael Jordan’s earlier shoes. The Converse basketball shoes that Jordan wore before the Air Jordans paved the way for the brand’s success, capturing the imagination of basketball fans worldwide. As a professional writer, I find it fascinating to reflect on this history and understand the evolution of one of the most iconic sports brands in the world. It is a testament to the power of innovation, creativity, and perseverance, and it has left an indelible mark on the world of sports and popular culture.
