As basketball fans, we all have a special place in our hearts for the legendary Michael Jordan. His skills on the court were unmatched and his impact on the game will be felt for generations to come. One of the most iconic moments in Jordan’s career was his performance in the 1998 NBA Finals, where he led the Chicago Bulls to their sixth championship. But have you ever wondered what shoes Jordan wore during that historic series?
In 1998, Jordan was already a seasoned veteran in the league and had already established himself as one of the greatest players of all time. His signature shoe line, the Air Jordan, had become a cultural phenomenon and fans eagerly awaited each new release. But during the 1998 Finals, Jordan wore a special edition of the Air Jordan 13, known as the “Bred” colorway. These shoes have become a symbol of Jordan’s dominance on the court and are highly sought after by collectors and fans alike. Join me as we explore the significance of these iconic shoes and their place in basketball history.
What Shoes Did Jordan Wear in 1998 Finals?
Michael Jordan is arguably the greatest basketball player of all time. His contributions to the game of basketball are numerous, but one of the most iconic images associated with him is his footwear. Jordan’s shoes have become a cultural phenomenon, and have helped to shape the sneaker industry as we know it today. In 1998, during the NBA Finals, Jordan wore a pair of shoes that would go down in history as some of the most iconic sneakers of all time.
The Air Jordan 14
The shoes that Michael Jordan wore during the 1998 NBA Finals were the Air Jordan 14. These shoes were designed by Tinker Hatfield, who had been the lead designer for the Air Jordan line since the Air Jordan III. The Air Jordan 14 was released in 1998, and was the last shoe that Michael Jordan wore during his time with the Chicago Bulls.
The Air Jordan 14 features a unique design that was inspired by Michael Jordan’s love of Italian sports cars. The shoe has a sleek, streamlined design that is meant to resemble the body of a Ferrari. The shoe also features a unique, asymmetrical collar that is meant to mimic the shape of a car’s spoiler.
The Benefits of the Air Jordan 14
There are several benefits to wearing the Air Jordan 14. The first is that the shoe is incredibly comfortable. The shoe features a full-length Air-Sole unit that provides excellent cushioning and support. The shoe also has a Phylon midsole that helps to absorb shock and reduce the impact on your feet.
Another benefit of the Air Jordan 14 is its durability. The shoe is made from high-quality materials that are designed to withstand the rigors of basketball. The shoe has a leather and nubuck upper that is both durable and stylish. The shoe also has a herringbone outsole that provides excellent traction on the court.
The Air Jordan 14 vs Other Air Jordans
The Air Jordan 14 is unique in its design and features when compared to other Air Jordans. One of the biggest differences is the asymmetrical collar, which sets it apart from other shoes in the line. The Air Jordan 14 is also the last shoe that Michael Jordan wore during his time with the Chicago Bulls, which adds to its historical significance.
When compared to other Air Jordans, the Air Jordan 14 is also one of the most comfortable. The shoe’s full-length Air-Sole unit and Phylon midsole provide excellent cushioning and support, making it a great choice for basketball players of all skill levels.
The Air Jordan 14 in Pop Culture
The Air Jordan 14 has become an iconic sneaker in pop culture. The shoe has been featured in numerous music videos, movies, and television shows. Some of the most notable appearances include Jay-Z’s “Money Ain’t a Thang” music video, the movie “He Got Game,” and the TV show “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.”
The Air Jordan 14 has also been released in numerous colorways over the years, including the popular “Last Shot” colorway that Michael Jordan wore during the 1998 NBA Finals. These shoes have become highly sought after by sneakerheads and Jordan fans alike.
The Legacy of the Air Jordan 14
The Air Jordan 14 is a shoe that will always be remembered for its unique design and historical significance. The shoe represents the end of an era for Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls, and is a reminder of the greatness that they achieved together.
The Air Jordan 14 has also had a significant impact on the sneaker industry as a whole. The shoe’s sleek design and comfortable fit have helped to shape the way that sneakers are designed and marketed today. The Air Jordan 14 is a shoe that will continue to be celebrated and admired for years to come.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comfortable | Expensive |
| Durable | Not suitable for all sports |
| Great traction | May be difficult to find in certain sizes |
- The Air Jordan 14 is a shoe that will always be associated with Michael Jordan and his time with the Chicago Bulls.
- The shoe’s unique design was inspired by Italian sports cars, and features a sleek, streamlined look.
- The Air Jordan 14 is one of the most comfortable shoes in the Air Jordan line, thanks to its full-length Air-Sole unit and Phylon midsole.
- The shoe is also durable, with a leather and nubuck upper and herringbone outsole that provide excellent traction on the court.
- The Air Jordan 14 has become an iconic sneaker in pop culture, and has been featured in numerous music videos, movies, and TV shows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the shoes Jordan wore during the 1998 Finals.
What shoes did Jordan wear in the 1998 Finals?
Michael Jordan wore the Air Jordan 13 during the 1998 Finals. This shoe was the last in the line of Air Jordans to be released while Jordan was still playing with the Chicago Bulls.
The Air Jordan 13 was designed by Tinker Hatfield and features a holographic emblem on the ankle, which was inspired by a panther’s eye. The shoe also had a carbon fiber plate in the sole for added support and stability.
What colorway of the Air Jordan 13 did Jordan wear in the 1998 Finals?
Jordan wore the black and red colorway of the Air Jordan 13 during the 1998 Finals. This colorway is often referred to as the “Bred” colorway and is one of the most popular Air Jordan colorways of all time.
The black and red colorway was actually banned by the NBA during the 1985 season because it did not meet the league’s uniform regulations. However, Jordan continued to wear the shoes and paid the fine each game.
Did Jordan wear any other shoes during the 1998 Finals?
During Game 3 of the 1998 Finals, Jordan wore the Air Jordan 14 instead of the Air Jordan 13. The Air Jordan 14 was the next shoe in the Air Jordan line and featured a sleeker design than the Air Jordan 13.
Jordan only wore the Air Jordan 14 for one game during the 1998 Finals before returning to the Air Jordan 13 for the remainder of the series.
What made the Air Jordan 13 unique?
The Air Jordan 13 featured several unique design elements that set it apart from previous Air Jordans. One of the most notable features was the holographic emblem on the ankle, which was inspired by a panther’s eye.
The shoe also had a carbon fiber plate in the sole for added support and stability, as well as a unique circular traction pattern on the outsole that was designed to mimic the paw of a panther.
Do the Air Jordan 13 “Bred” colorway sneakers still exist?
Yes, the Air Jordan 13 “Bred” colorway sneakers are still available for purchase today. The sneakers have been re-released several times over the years, including most recently in 2017.
While the original sneakers worn by Jordan during the 1998 Finals are extremely rare and valuable, fans can still get their hands on a pair of the “Bred” colorway sneakers today.
The Story Behind All 6 of Michael Jordan’s ICONIC Championship Sneakers
Throughout the 1998 NBA Finals, Michael Jordan’s footwear was the subject of intense fascination and speculation. Fans eagerly scrutinized every detail of the shoes he wore, desperate to know which model he favored during this crucial series. After all, Jordan’s footwear had become an icon in its own right, and his choice of shoes could potentially give insights into his performance and mindset during the Finals.
Ultimately, it was revealed that Jordan wore a specially designed version of the Air Jordan XIII for the entirety of the 1998 NBA Finals.
