In the world of basketball, Michael Jordan is a name that needs no introduction. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, and his accomplishments on the court are unmatched. Jordan not only revolutionized the game of basketball but also left an indelible mark on sneaker culture. His signature shoes, the Air Jordans, have become a cultural phenomenon, and fans worldwide are always curious to know which pair he wore during his most memorable moments.
One such moment was the 1998 NBA Finals, where Jordan led the Chicago Bulls to their sixth NBA championship. However, what shoes did Jordan wear in the 98 Finals? This question has been a topic of debate among basketball fans and sneakerheads for years. In this article, we will delve deep into this topic and explore the various shoes that Jordan wore during the Finals, including the iconic Air Jordan 13s, which he famously wore during the “Last Shot” of his Bulls career. So, lace up your sneakers and get ready to take a journey through basketball and sneaker history.
Michael Jordan wore the iconic black and red Air Jordan 13s during the 1998 NBA Finals. The shoes were released in January 1998, just a few months before the Finals. The Air Jordan 13s were designed to resemble a panther’s paw with the holographic logo on the heel representing the animal’s eye. Jordan’s performance in the Finals wearing these shoes is often remembered as one of his greatest moments on the court.
What Shoes Did Jordan Wear in the 98 Finals?
The 1998 NBA Finals will forever be remembered as one of the greatest moments in Michael Jordan’s career. His performance in that series was simply amazing, and one of the things that stood out were the shoes he wore. Jordan was known for his signature line of shoes, and in the 1998 Finals, he wore a special edition of the Air Jordan 13. Let’s take a closer look at what made these shoes so special.
Design and Features
The Air Jordan 13 was first released in 1997 and was designed by Tinker Hatfield. It was inspired by the black panther, and this is evident in the shoe’s sleek design. The shoe featured a holographic “jumpman” logo on the ankle, which was a first for the Air Jordan line. The shoe also had a carbon fiber plate on the sole, which provided added support and stability.
For the 1998 Finals, Jordan wore a special edition of the Air Jordan 13. This shoe featured a white leather upper with red accents. The holographic logo on the ankle was replaced with a gold one, and the carbon fiber plate was also gold. The shoe was dubbed the “Last Shot” edition, as it was the shoe Jordan wore when he hit the game-winning shot in Game 6 of the Finals.
Performance and Benefits
The Air Jordan 13 was already a great shoe for basketball, but the special edition worn by Jordan in the 1998 Finals was even better. The gold carbon fiber plate provided even more support and stability, which helped Jordan make his incredible moves on the court. The shoe also had a great grip, which allowed Jordan to make quick cuts and turns without slipping.
In addition to the performance benefits, the Air Jordan 13 was also a stylish shoe. The sleek design and gold accents made it a popular choice among sneaker enthusiasts. The shoe was also comfortable to wear, which is important for athletes who spend a lot of time on their feet.
Air Jordan 13 vs Other Jordan Shoes
The Air Jordan line is one of the most popular and iconic shoe lines in history. Each shoe in the line has its own unique features and benefits. So how does the Air Jordan 13 compare to other Jordan shoes?
Compared to the Air Jordan 11, which was worn by Jordan in the 1996 Finals, the Air Jordan 13 had a sleeker design and a more advanced carbon fiber plate. The Air Jordan 11 had a patent leather upper, which gave it a flashy look, but it wasn’t as supportive as the Air Jordan 13.
Compared to the Air Jordan 12, which was worn by Jordan in the 1997 Finals, the Air Jordan 13 had a more comfortable fit and better traction. The Air Jordan 12 had a unique design with a leather upper and a reptile skin pattern, but it wasn’t as comfortable to wear as the Air Jordan 13.
In Conclusion
The Air Jordan 13 “Last Shot” edition worn by Michael Jordan in the 1998 NBA Finals is one of the most iconic shoes in basketball history. Its sleek design, gold accents, and advanced features made it a popular choice among sneaker enthusiasts and athletes alike. The shoe’s performance benefits, including added support and stability, made it the perfect choice for Jordan during his historic run in the 1998 Finals. If you’re a basketball player or sneaker enthusiast looking for a shoe that combines style and performance, the Air Jordan 13 is definitely worth considering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about the shoes that Michael Jordan wore in the 1998 NBA Finals.
What shoes did Jordan wear in the 98 Finals?
Michael Jordan wore the Air Jordan 13 during the 1998 NBA Finals. The Air Jordan 13 was designed by Tinker Hatfield and was inspired by Jordan’s nickname, “Black Cat.” The design features a holographic “eye” on the heel that was meant to resemble the eye of a panther.
The Air Jordan 13 was first released in 1997 and was immediately popular among sneaker enthusiasts. The shoe was known for its comfort, durability, and unique design. It was also the last shoe that Jordan wore during his time with the Chicago Bulls.
How many colorways were released for the Air Jordan 13?
There were a total of seven colorways released for the Air Jordan 13. In addition to the original “Black/True Red” colorway that Jordan wore during the 1998 NBA Finals, other popular colorways included the “Chicago,” “Flint,” and “Playoffs” editions.
Each colorway featured slight variations in design and color, but all maintained the same overall silhouette and features of the Air Jordan 13. Some of the colorways were more popular than others, but all remain highly sought after by sneaker collectors today.
What made the Air Jordan 13 unique?
The Air Jordan 13 was unique in several ways. First, it was the last shoe that Jordan wore during his time with the Chicago Bulls. It was also the first shoe to feature a holographic “eye” on the heel, which was meant to resemble the eye of a panther.
The shoe also featured a unique outsole design inspired by a panther’s paw. The outsole was designed to provide excellent traction on the court, and the shoe as a whole was known for its comfort and durability. The Air Jordan 13 was also the first Air Jordan sneaker to be released under the Jordan Brand label, which was created in 1997.
Are the Air Jordan 13s still popular today?
Yes, the Air Jordan 13 remains a popular sneaker today among both sneaker enthusiasts and basketball fans. The shoe’s unique design, comfort, and durability continue to draw fans, and the various colorways that have been released over the years have kept the shoe fresh and relevant.
In addition, the Air Jordan 13 has become a popular retro release for Jordan Brand, with various colorways being re-released over the years. The original “Black/True Red” colorway that Jordan wore during the 1998 NBA Finals was re-released in 2017 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the shoe.
How much are the Air Jordan 13s worth today?
The value of the Air Jordan 13 varies depending on the specific colorway and condition of the shoe. Some of the rarer colorways and limited edition releases can fetch thousands of dollars on the resale market.
The original “Black/True Red” colorway that Jordan wore during the 1998 NBA Finals is particularly valuable and can fetch upwards of $1,000 in good condition. However, even some of the more common colorways can still be worth several hundred dollars.
The Story Behind All 6 of Michael Jordan’s ICONIC Championship Sneakers
Throughout the years, Michael Jordan has become a symbol of excellence and determination in the world of basketball. His skills on the court were unparalleled, and his impact on the sport is still felt to this day. One of the most talked-about aspects of Jordan’s legacy is the shoes he wore during the 1998 Finals. It’s amazing to think that a pair of shoes could hold such significance, but that’s the kind of impact Jordan had on the game.
In the end, the shoes Jordan wore during the 1998 Finals were just a small part of his overall story. They were a symbol of his tenacity and his unwavering dedication to the game. Jordan was a true professional, and the shoes he wore were just one more example of that. Whether you’re a basketball fan or not, it’s hard not to be impressed by the impact Jordan had on the game, and the shoes he wore are just one more reminder of his greatness.
