As one of the greatest basketball players of all time, Michael Jordan is known for his iconic sneaker line, the Air Jordans. However, before he signed with Nike and created his own line of shoes, Jordan wore several different brands and models on the court. Fans and sneaker enthusiasts alike may be curious to know what shoes Jordan wore before his signature line was born.
During his early years in the NBA, Jordan wore a variety of brands, including Converse, Adidas, and Nike. In fact, it was Adidas who initially offered Jordan a shoe deal, but he ultimately chose to sign with Nike. Jordan’s early sneakers include the Converse Pro Leather, the Adidas Top Ten 2000, and the Nike Air Ship, a shoe that many believe was the true predecessor to the Air Jordans. Delving into the history of Jordan’s early footwear can offer a unique perspective on the evolution of basketball shoes and the impact that Jordan had on the sneaker industry.
What Shoes Did Michael Jordan Wear Before Jordans?
Michael Jordan is one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He was not only known for his skills on the court, but also for his stylish sneakers. The Air Jordan line of shoes is one of the most popular and iconic sneaker collections in the world. But before the Air Jordans, Michael Jordan wore a variety of different shoes. Let’s take a look at some of the shoes that Michael Jordan wore before the Air Jordans.
Converse All-Stars
Michael Jordan began his professional career with the Chicago Bulls in 1984. At the time, Converse was one of the most popular sneaker brands in the world. Michael Jordan wore Converse All-Stars during his college career at the University of North Carolina, and he continued to wear them during his early years with the Bulls. The Converse All-Stars were a classic basketball shoe with a canvas upper and a rubber sole. They were available in a variety of colors, including white, black, and red.
One of the benefits of wearing Converse All-Stars was their simplicity. They were lightweight and comfortable, which made them perfect for playing basketball. However, they didn’t offer much in terms of support or cushioning, which may have been a factor in some of Michael Jordan’s injuries.
Nike Air Force Ones
In 1982, Nike released the Air Force One, a basketball shoe with a leather upper and a thick rubber sole. The Air Force Ones were popular among basketball players, and Michael Jordan was no exception. He wore the Air Force Ones during his rookie year with the Bulls.
The Air Force Ones were known for their durability and support. They had a high-top design that provided ankle support, and they featured a cushioned sole that absorbed shock. They were also available in a variety of colors, which made them popular among sneaker enthusiasts.
One of the main differences between the Air Force Ones and the Converse All-Stars was the price. The Air Force Ones were more expensive than the All-Stars, which made them less accessible to some consumers.
Nike Blazers
The Nike Blazer was a basketball shoe with a canvas upper and a rubber sole. It was first released in 1972, and it quickly became popular among basketball players. Michael Jordan wore the Nike Blazers during his early years with the Bulls.
The Nike Blazers were known for their simplicity and comfort. They had a low-top design that provided freedom of movement, and they featured a cushioned sole that provided support. They were also available in a variety of colors, which made them popular among sneaker enthusiasts.
One of the main benefits of the Nike Blazers was their affordability. They were less expensive than the Air Force Ones, which made them accessible to a wider range of consumers.
Adidas
Michael Jordan also wore Adidas shoes during his early years with the Bulls. Adidas was one of the top sneaker brands at the time, and they had a variety of basketball shoes to choose from.
The Adidas shoes that Michael Jordan wore were known for their comfort and support. They had a cushioned sole that provided shock absorption, and they had a high-top design that provided ankle support. They were also available in a variety of colors, which made them popular among sneaker enthusiasts.
However, Michael Jordan’s partnership with Nike in 1984 would eventually lead to the creation of the Air Jordans, which would become one of the most successful sneaker collections of all time.
Conclusion
Before the Air Jordans, Michael Jordan wore a variety of different shoes from different brands. The Converse All-Stars, Nike Air Force Ones, Nike Blazers, and Adidas were just a few of the shoes that he wore during his early years with the Bulls. Each shoe had its own unique features and benefits, and each played a role in shaping Michael Jordan’s style and legacy.
If you’re a sneaker enthusiast, it’s interesting to look back at the shoes that Michael Jordan wore before the Air Jordans. It’s a reminder that even the greatest basketball player of all time had to start somewhere.
Freequently Asked Questions
What shoes did Michael Jordan wear before Jordans?
Michael Jordan wore Converse shoes during his college days while playing for the University of North Carolina. He wore the Converse Pro Leather model during the 1982 NCAA championship game, where he scored the game-winning basket. This shoe was also known as the “Dr. J” shoe, named after basketball legend Julius Erving who wore them during the 1970s.
After joining the NBA, Michael Jordan signed a deal with Nike and wore the Nike Air Ship during his rookie year in 1984. This shoe was later banned by the NBA for not meeting the league’s uniform standards, which actually helped to increase its popularity. The Nike Air Ship had a similar design to the Air Jordan 1, which was released the following year and became an instant hit among sneaker enthusiasts.
What was the design inspiration behind the Air Jordan 1?
The Air Jordan 1 was designed by Peter Moore and inspired by a variety of sources, including a women’s high-heeled shoe, the Nike Dunk, and the Converse All-Star. The shoe featured a high-top design with the iconic “Wings” logo on the ankle collar and the Nike Swoosh on the side.
The Air Jordan 1 was initially released in three colorways: red and black, black and white, and royal blue and black. The red and black colorway was famously banned by the NBA for not meeting the league’s uniform standards, which only added to the shoe’s popularity. The Air Jordan 1 is now considered one of the most iconic sneakers of all time and has been re-released in numerous colorways over the years.
When did Michael Jordan start wearing his own signature shoes?
Michael Jordan started wearing his own signature shoes, the Air Jordan line, in 1985 with the release of the Air Jordan 1. The Air Jordan 1 was an instant hit among sneaker enthusiasts and helped to establish Michael Jordan as a cultural icon both on and off the court.
The Air Jordan line has since become one of the most successful and iconic sneaker lines of all time, with numerous iterations and collaborations released over the years. The Air Jordan line has also become a symbol of basketball culture and streetwear fashion.
What was the first Air Jordan shoe to feature Nike’s “Air” technology?
The Air Jordan 3 was the first Air Jordan shoe to feature Nike’s “Air” technology, which was designed to provide superior cushioning and support. The Air Jordan 3 was designed by Tinker Hatfield and introduced in 1988.
The Air Jordan 3 also featured a new design element, the elephant print, which was inspired by a safari trip that Tinker Hatfield took. The Air Jordan 3 was famously worn by Michael Jordan during the 1988 NBA All-Star Game and the 1988 NBA Dunk Contest, where he famously jumped from the free-throw line to dunk the ball.
What was the last Air Jordan shoe that Michael Jordan wore during his NBA career?
The last Air Jordan shoe that Michael Jordan wore during his NBA career was the Air Jordan 18. The Air Jordan 18 was designed by Tate Kuerbis and introduced in 2003.
The Air Jordan 18 featured a sleek, low-cut design with a unique lacing system and a carbon fiber shank plate for added support. The Air Jordan 18 was also notable for featuring a “hidden” lacing system, which gave the shoe a clean and streamlined look. Michael Jordan wore the Air Jordan 18 during his final NBA game on April 16, 2003, against the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Story Behind All 6 of Michael Jordan’s ICONIC Championship Sneakers
As a professional writer, it’s fascinating to delve into the history of iconic athletes like Michael Jordan and uncover the stories that shaped their legendary careers. When it comes to the shoes that made Jordan a household name, it’s essential to look back at his early days to understand the path that led to the creation of the iconic Jordans we know today.
Before the Air Jordans, Michael Jordan wore a variety of shoes from brands like Adidas and Converse. In his rookie year, Jordan donned the Adidas Pro Model, a high-top basketball shoe that was popular among NBA players in the 1980s. However, it was his time with Converse that set the stage for his eventual partnership with Nike. Jordan’s first signature shoe was the Converse Weapon, which featured a sleek design and high ankle support. The shoe became an immediate hit, and Jordan’s rising star power only added to its popularity. While these shoes are now overshadowed by the Jordans that followed, they were a crucial part of Michael Jordan’s early career and helped lay the groundwork for his iconic sneaker line.
In conclusion, understanding the shoes that came before the Jordans provides a fascinating look into the early career of one of basketball’s greatest players. From the Adidas Pro Model to the Converse Weapon, Michael Jordan’s early footwear choices helped shape the sneaker industry and set the stage for the iconic Jordans we know and love today. As we continue to celebrate Jordan’s legacy, it’s essential to remember the shoes that started it all and appreciate the journey that led to the creation of one of the most iconic sneaker lines of all time.
