Michael Jordan is undoubtedly one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He has won six NBA championships, five MVP awards, and two Olympic gold medals. He is also known for his iconic Air Jordan sneakers, which have become a cultural phenomenon. However, there is one event in Michael Jordan’s career that stands out from the rest- his role in the 1996 film, Space Jam.
In the movie, Michael Jordan teams up with Bugs Bunny and the rest of the Looney Tunes gang to save their world from the villainous Monstars. While the plot of the movie is entertaining, what really caught the attention of sneakerheads and basketball fans alike is the footwear that Michael Jordan wore on the big screen. In this article, we will delve deeper into the shoes that Michael Jordan wore in Space Jam and explore the history behind one of the most iconic sneakers of all time.
Michael Jordan wore the Air Jordan 11 “Space Jam” shoes in the 1996 film “Space Jam.” These shoes were specifically designed for the movie and were released to the public the same year. The shoes feature a black patent leather and mesh upper with a white midsole and an icy blue outsole. They are considered one of the most iconic Air Jordan sneakers of all time.
**The Shoes that Took Michael Jordan to Space Jam**
In the 1996 blockbuster movie Space Jam, Michael Jordan played a fictionalized version of himself, teaming up with Bugs Bunny and other Looney Tunes characters to defeat a group of aliens in a basketball game. One of the most iconic aspects of the movie was the footwear that Jordan wore on the court. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the shoes that took Michael Jordan to Space Jam.
**1. Air Jordan 11 Concord**
In the opening scene of Space Jam, we see Michael Jordan playing basketball with a group of kids. He’s wearing a pair of Air Jordan 11 Concord sneakers, one of the most popular and iconic shoes in the Air Jordan line. The Concord colorway features a white upper, black patent leather accents, and a translucent outsole.
The Air Jordan 11 was first released in 1995 and quickly became a fan favorite. The shoe’s design was inspired by a lawnmower, of all things, with the patent leather meant to resemble the shiny chrome on the machine. The Air Jordan 11 was also the first Jordan shoe to use a carbon fiber plate in the midsole for added support.
**2. Air Jordan 11 Space Jam**
Of course, the shoe that Jordan is most famous for wearing in Space Jam is the Air Jordan 11 Space Jam. This shoe features a black upper, white patent leather accents, and a translucent outsole with a blue tint. The Space Jam colorway was actually inspired by the movie itself, with Nike creating the shoe specifically for Jordan to wear on screen.
The Air Jordan 11 Space Jam was released to the public in 2000 and has been re-released multiple times since then. It remains one of the most sought-after Air Jordan shoes of all time, thanks in large part to its association with the beloved movie.
**3. Air Jordan 9**
In the scene where Michael Jordan is playing golf with Bill Murray and Larry Bird, he’s wearing a pair of Air Jordan 9 sneakers. This shoe features a leather and nubuck upper, along with a neoprene inner bootie for a snug fit. The Air Jordan 9 was first released in 1993 and was the first Jordan shoe to be released after Jordan’s initial retirement from basketball.
The Air Jordan 9 was designed by Tinker Hatfield, who also designed many of the other iconic Air Jordan shoes. Hatfield drew inspiration from Jordan’s love of luxury cars, incorporating design elements from the Ferrari Testarossa into the shoe’s design.
**4. Air Jordan 7**
During the scene where Michael Jordan is being recruited to play basketball with the Looney Tunes, he’s wearing a pair of Air Jordan 7 sneakers. This shoe features a leather and nubuck upper, along with a neoprene inner bootie for a snug fit. The Air Jordan 7 was first released in 1992 and was the shoe that Jordan wore during the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, Spain.
The Air Jordan 7 was designed by Tinker Hatfield, who drew inspiration from African tribal art and the Nike Huarache running shoe. The shoe features a unique design with a neoprene inner bootie and a visible Air-Sole unit in the heel.
**5. Air Jordan 13**
In the scene where Michael Jordan and the Looney Tunes are practicing for the big game, he’s wearing a pair of Air Jordan 13 sneakers. This shoe features a leather and suede upper, along with a holographic “cat’s eye” on the heel. The Air Jordan 13 was first released in 1997 and was the last shoe that Jordan wore during his time with the Chicago Bulls.
The Air Jordan 13 was designed by Tinker Hatfield, who drew inspiration from the black panther. The holographic “cat’s eye” on the heel was meant to resemble the animal’s eye, while the dimpled leather on the upper was meant to resemble its coat.
**6. Air Jordan 5**
During the scene where Michael Jordan is playing basketball with the Looney Tunes in outer space, he’s wearing a pair of Air Jordan 5 sneakers. This shoe features a leather and nubuck upper, along with a translucent outsole with visible Air-Sole units. The Air Jordan 5 was first released in 1990 and was the shoe that Jordan wore during his first round playoff series against the Milwaukee Bucks.
The Air Jordan 5 was designed by Tinker Hatfield, who drew inspiration from World War II fighter planes. The shark tooth design on the midsole and the “23” on the heel were both nods to Jordan’s aggressive playing style.
**7. Air Jordan 12**
In the scene where Michael Jordan is making his comeback to basketball, he’s wearing a pair of Air Jordan 12 sneakers. This shoe features a leather and nubuck upper, along with a carbon fiber shank plate in the midsole. The Air Jordan 12 was first released in 1996 and was the shoe that Jordan wore during his fifth NBA championship with the Chicago Bulls.
The Air Jordan 12 was designed by Tinker Hatfield, who drew inspiration from Japanese architecture and the “Rising Sun” flag. The shoe features a unique design with a leather upper and a reptile-like pattern on the mudguard.
**8. Air Jordan 10**
During the scene where Michael Jordan is playing basketball with the Looney Tunes in their underground gym, he’s wearing a pair of Air Jordan 10 sneakers. This shoe features a leather and nubuck upper, along with a visible Air-Sole unit in the heel. The Air Jordan 10 was first released in 1994 and was the shoe that Jordan wore during his first retirement from basketball.
The Air Jordan 10 was designed by Tinker Hatfield, who drew inspiration from Jordan’s career and accomplishments up to that point. The shoe features a list of Jordan’s career highlights on the outsole, along with a Jumpman logo on the heel.
**9. Air Jordan 6**
In the scene where Michael Jordan is playing basketball with the Monstars, he’s wearing a pair of Air Jordan 6 sneakers. This shoe features a leather and nubuck upper, along with a visible Air-Sole unit in the heel. The Air Jordan 6 was first released in 1991 and was the shoe that Jordan wore during his first NBA championship with the Chicago Bulls.
The Air Jordan 6 was designed by Tinker Hatfield, who drew inspiration from Jordan’s Porsche 911. The shoe features a sleek design with a reinforced toe cap and a molded heel tab.
**10. Air Jordan 4**
During the scene where the Monstars steal the talent of NBA players, we see a close-up shot of Patrick Ewing’s Air Jordan 4 sneakers. This shoe features a leather upper and a visible Air-Sole unit in the heel. The Air Jordan 4 was first released in 1989 and was the shoe that Jordan wore during his fourth NBA season.
The Air Jordan 4 was designed by Tinker Hatfield, who drew inspiration from the Nike Air Flight basketball shoe. The shoe features a unique design with plastic wings on the sides and a mesh panel on the upper.
In conclusion, the shoes that Michael Jordan wore in Space Jam were a mix of classic and contemporary Air Jordan sneakers. Each shoe had its own unique design and history, making them an important part of sneaker and basketball culture. Whether you’re a fan of the Air Jordan line or just a fan of the movie, these shoes will always be an iconic part of Michael Jordan’s legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What shoes did Michael Jordan wear in Space Jam?
Michael Jordan wore the Air Jordan 11s during the filming of Space Jam. These shoes were first released in 1996 and were known for their sleek design and use of patent leather. They were also the first Air Jordans to feature a translucent outsole, which added to their unique look.
The Air Jordan 11s were a popular choice for basketball players at the time, and their inclusion in Space Jam helped to solidify their place in sneaker history. Today, they remain a highly sought-after shoe among collectors and fans of both basketball and pop culture.
Were Michael Jordan’s shoes customized for Space Jam?
While Michael Jordan did wear the Air Jordan 11s in Space Jam, they were not customized specifically for the film. However, the shoes did feature a special colorway that was created specifically for Jordan to wear on the court.
The “Space Jam” colorway of the Air Jordan 11s features a black upper with white patent leather accents and a translucent blue outsole. This colorway has since become one of the most popular and recognizable in the Air Jordan line, and is often associated with both Michael Jordan and the film that shares its name.
Did Michael Jordan wear any other shoes in Space Jam?
While the Air Jordan 11s were the primary shoes that Michael Jordan wore in Space Jam, he did also wear a few other styles during certain scenes. In one scene, he can be seen wearing the Air Jordan 9s, which were released in 1993.
Jordan also wore a special pair of shoes during the film’s climactic basketball game against the Monstars. These shoes were a one-of-a-kind design that featured a spinning Jumpman logo on the side. While they were not available for purchase, they remain a memorable part of the film’s iconic footwear.
Did Michael Jordan design the shoes he wore in Space Jam?
While Michael Jordan did not personally design the shoes that he wore in Space Jam, he was heavily involved in the creation of the Air Jordan line. Jordan worked closely with Nike designer Tinker Hatfield to develop each new iteration of the shoe, and his input was crucial to their success.
Jordan’s influence can be seen in the design of the Air Jordan 11s, which he wore in the film. The shoes feature a streamlined, futuristic look that was inspired by his love of cars and his desire for a shoe that was both stylish and functional on the basketball court.
Can you buy the shoes that Michael Jordan wore in Space Jam?
While the Air Jordan 11s that Michael Jordan wore in Space Jam were released to the public in 1996, they are now considered a highly sought-after collector’s item. The “Space Jam” colorway in particular is one of the most popular and coveted in the Air Jordan line.
However, there are a number of other Air Jordan styles that have been released in recent years that pay tribute to the shoes worn in the film. These include the Air Jordan 11 “Space Jam” retro, which was released in 2016 to celebrate the film’s 20th anniversary. Fans of the movie and the Air Jordan line can still get their hands on shoes that pay homage to the iconic footwear worn by Michael Jordan in Space Jam.
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As a professional writer, it’s safe to say that Michael Jordan’s impact on the world of basketball is undeniable. From his incredible skills on the court to his iconic shoe line, he has left an indelible mark on the sport. But what about his role in the 1996 classic film “Space Jam”? The question that many fans have been asking is, “What shoes did Michael Jordan wear in Space Jam?”.
The answer is simple: the Air Jordan 11. These shoes were first released in 1995 and were designed by Tinker Hatfield, who has worked on several of Jordan’s signature sneakers. The Air Jordan 11 was a revolutionary shoe at the time, featuring patent leather and carbon fiber, which made it both stylish and lightweight. It’s no surprise that they were chosen for Michael Jordan’s character in “Space Jam”, as they perfectly encapsulated his style and athleticism. So, whether you’re a basketball fan, a sneakerhead, or simply a lover of classic films, the Air Jordan 11’s appearance in “Space Jam” is a moment that will always be remembered.