Michael Jordan is undoubtedly one of the greatest basketball players of all time. His career spanned over two decades and included six NBA championships, five MVP awards, and countless other accolades. After retiring from the Chicago Bulls in 1998, Jordan took a brief hiatus from the sport before returning to play for the Washington Wizards in 2001. However, one question that often arises among fans is: what shoes did Jordan wear with the Wizards?
Jordan’s shoe line is widely regarded as one of the most successful and iconic in the history of sports apparel. Each new release was eagerly anticipated by fans and collectors alike, and many of the older models continue to be highly sought after to this day. But after his return to the NBA, Jordan’s choice of footwear seemed to take a backseat to his on-court performance. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the shoes that Jordan wore during his time with the Wizards, and explore why they may not be as well-known or highly regarded as some of his earlier models.
What Shoes Did Jordan Wear With the Wizards?
Michael Jordan is widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time, and his legendary career spanned three different decades. One of the most interesting aspects of Jordan’s career was his brief stint with the Washington Wizards in the early 2000s. During his time with the Wizards, Jordan wore a variety of different shoes, and in this article, we’ll take a closer look at what he wore and why.
1. Air Jordan XVII
The Air Jordan XVII was one of the first shoes that Jordan wore during his time with the Wizards. This shoe was released in 2002 and featured a sleek design that was inspired by jazz music. The shoe had a full-length Air-Sole unit for cushioning and a hidden lacing system for a more streamlined look.
One of the benefits of the Air Jordan XVII was its unique design, which helped to set it apart from other basketball shoes on the market. However, some players found the shoe to be a bit too tight around the ankle, which could be uncomfortable during long games.
2. Air Jordan XVIII
The Air Jordan XVIII was another shoe that Jordan wore during his time with the Wizards. This shoe was released in 2003 and featured a more traditional basketball shoe design. It had a full-length Zoom Air unit for cushioning and a carbon fiber shank for support.
One of the benefits of the Air Jordan XVIII was its superior cushioning, which provided excellent shock absorption during games. However, some players found the shoe to be a bit heavy, which could be a disadvantage during fast-paced games.
3. Air Jordan XIX
The Air Jordan XIX was a shoe that Jordan wore during his final season with the Wizards. This shoe was released in 2004 and featured a unique design that was inspired by the Black Mamba snake. It had a full-length Zoom Air unit for cushioning and a Phylon midsole for added support.
One of the benefits of the Air Jordan XIX was its excellent traction, which provided great grip on the court. However, some players found the shoe to be a bit too narrow, which could cause discomfort during long games.
4. Air Jordan XX
The Air Jordan XX was a shoe that Jordan wore during his final season with the Wizards. This shoe was released in 2005 and featured a futuristic design that was inspired by motorcycle racing. It had a full-length Zoom Air unit for cushioning and a hidden lacing system for a sleek look.
One of the benefits of the Air Jordan XX was its superior breathability, which helped to keep players’ feet cool and dry during games. However, some players found the shoe to be a bit too stiff, which could limit their range of motion on the court.
5. Air Jordan XX1
The Air Jordan XX1 was a shoe that Jordan wore during his final season with the Wizards. This shoe was released in 2006 and featured a sleek design that was inspired by Italian sports cars. It had a full-length Zoom Air unit for cushioning and a lightweight Phylon midsole for added support.
One of the benefits of the Air Jordan XX1 was its excellent fit, which provided a secure and comfortable feel on the court. However, some players found the shoe to be a bit too narrow, which could cause discomfort during long games.
6. Air Jordan XX2
The Air Jordan XX2 was a shoe that Jordan wore during his final season with the Wizards. This shoe was released in 2007 and featured a unique design that was inspired by fighter jets. It had a full-length Zoom Air unit for cushioning and a reinforced upper for added durability.
One of the benefits of the Air Jordan XX2 was its excellent support, which helped to prevent ankle injuries during games. However, some players found the shoe to be a bit heavy, which could be a disadvantage during fast-paced games.
7. Air Jordan XX3
The Air Jordan XX3 was a shoe that Jordan wore during his final season with the Wizards. This shoe was released in 2008 and featured a sleek design that was inspired by Italian sports cars. It had a full-length Zoom Air unit for cushioning and a lightweight Phylon midsole for added support.
One of the benefits of the Air Jordan XX3 was its excellent traction, which provided great grip on the court. However, some players found the shoe to be a bit too narrow, which could cause discomfort during long games.
8. Air Jordan 2009
The Air Jordan 2009 was a shoe that Jordan wore during his final season with the Wizards. This shoe was released in 2009 and featured a sleek design that was inspired by luxury sports cars. It had a full-length Zoom Air unit for cushioning and a lightweight Phylon midsole for added support.
One of the benefits of the Air Jordan 2009 was its superior breathability, which helped to keep players’ feet cool and dry during games. However, some players found the shoe to be a bit too bulky, which could be a disadvantage during fast-paced games.
9. Air Jordan 2010
The Air Jordan 2010 was a shoe that Jordan wore during his final season with the Wizards. This shoe was released in 2010 and featured a unique design that was inspired by the movie “Tron”. It had a full-length Zoom Air unit for cushioning and a lightweight Phylon midsole for added support.
One of the benefits of the Air Jordan 2010 was its excellent fit, which provided a secure and comfortable feel on the court. However, some players found the shoe to be a bit too stiff, which could limit their range of motion on the court.
10. Air Jordan 2011
The Air Jordan 2011 was a shoe that Jordan did not wear during his time with the Wizards, but it is worth mentioning because it was released shortly after his retirement. This shoe featured a unique design that was inspired by the concept of “exploding through space”. It had a full-length Zoom Air unit for cushioning and a lightweight Phylon midsole for added support.
One of the benefits of the Air Jordan 2011 was its excellent traction, which provided great grip on the court. However, some players found the shoe to be a bit too bulky, which could be a disadvantage during fast-paced games.
In conclusion, Michael Jordan wore a variety of different shoes during his time with the Washington Wizards, each with its own unique design and features. While some shoes were more comfortable or had better traction than others, all of them were undoubtedly stylish and helped to cement Jordan’s legacy as one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Michael Jordan’s sneaker line is one of the most popular and successful in the world. But what shoes did Jordan wear with the Wizards? Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about this topic.
What shoes did Jordan wear with the Wizards?
When Michael Jordan returned to the NBA to play for the Washington Wizards in 2001, he wore a variety of shoes from his own Jordan Brand. He wore the Air Jordan XVII, as well as the Air Jordan XVIII and XIX. He also wore some non-signature shoes, including the Nike Shox BB4 and the Air Flight 89.
While Jordan did not have a signature shoe during his time with the Wizards, he still wore some of the most popular and stylish shoes on the market. Many of these shoes are still highly sought after by sneaker collectors and fans of Jordan’s career.
Did Jordan design any shoes for the Wizards?
No, Michael Jordan did not design any shoes specifically for his time with the Washington Wizards. However, he did wear a variety of shoes from his own Jordan Brand, which he had a significant role in designing and promoting. Jordan was heavily involved in the design process for many of his signature shoes, and his influence can still be seen in many Jordan Brand releases today.
While Jordan did not have a signature shoe during his time with the Wizards, he still had a major impact on the sneaker industry and the culture surrounding it.
Were Jordan’s shoes popular during his time with the Wizards?
Yes, Michael Jordan’s shoes were still very popular during his time with the Wizards. While he did not have a signature shoe during this period, he still wore a variety of highly sought after Jordan Brand shoes. Many sneaker collectors and fans of Jordan’s career still value the shoes he wore during this time, and they remain popular among collectors and enthusiasts today.
Despite the fact that he was no longer in his prime as a player, Michael Jordan’s influence on the sneaker industry and the culture surrounding it was still significant during his time with the Wizards.
Did Jordan ever wear any non-Jordan shoes with the Wizards?
Yes, Michael Jordan did wear some non-Jordan shoes during his time with the Wizards. One of the most notable examples was the Nike Shox BB4, which he wore during the 2002-2003 season. He also wore the Air Flight 89, which was not a Jordan Brand shoe. However, the vast majority of the shoes he wore during this period were from his own Jordan Brand.
Even when wearing non-Jordan shoes, Michael Jordan’s style and influence were still highly visible on the court. His impact on the sneaker industry and the culture surrounding it continued to be significant, even during his time with the Wizards.
Are any of the shoes Jordan wore with the Wizards still available today?
Yes, many of the shoes that Michael Jordan wore during his time with the Wizards are still available today. Some of the most popular examples include the Air Jordan XVII, the Air Jordan XVIII, and the Air Jordan XIX. These shoes are highly sought after by collectors and fans of Jordan’s career, and they remain popular among sneaker enthusiasts today.
In addition to these signature shoes, some of the non-signature shoes that Jordan wore during this period are also still available today. These include the Nike Shox BB4 and the Air Flight 89, among others.
Michael Jordan wearing every Air Jordan in Game (1-18)
Michael Jordan is an icon in the basketball world, and his style on and off the court has always been a topic of discussion. Even after his retirement from the Chicago Bulls, fans were curious about what shoes he would wear with the Washington Wizards. Although Jordan’s time with the Wizards was not as successful as his previous stint in the NBA, his shoe game remained just as strong. He continued to wear his signature Air Jordans, including the Air Jordan XVII, XVIII, and XIX, as well as some player-exclusive models.
In conclusion, Michael Jordan’s shoe choice with the Washington Wizards may not have been as groundbreaking as it was during his time with the Bulls, but it was still a topic of interest among fans and sneakerheads. His signature Air Jordan line continued to dominate the market, and his player-exclusive models were highly coveted. Jordan’s legacy extends far beyond his shoe game, but it is undoubtedly a significant part of his brand and his impact on the basketball world.
