The Jordan brand has become synonymous with basketball and street style. Millions of sneakerheads around the world have coveted the legendary Air Jordan line, which has been in production since 1984. But have you ever wondered who was behind the design of the very first Jordan shoe?
The answer may surprise you. While the Jordan brand is now owned by Nike, it was actually a small shoe company called “Nike Japan” that designed the first Air Jordan sneaker. The designer was a man named Peter Moore, who was tasked with creating a shoe that would reflect the style and personality of basketball superstar Michael Jordan. The result was a groundbreaking design that revolutionized the sneaker industry and forever changed the way we think about basketball shoes.
Who Designed the First Jordan Shoe?
The Jordan brand has become synonymous with basketball and basketball culture. One of the most iconic elements of the brand is the Air Jordan shoe. But who was responsible for designing the first Air Jordan shoe? In this article, we will take a closer look at the history of the Air Jordan shoe and the designer behind it.
The Birth of the Air Jordan
In the early 1980s, Nike was struggling to compete with other sneaker brands like Adidas and Converse. They needed a game-changer, and they found it in Michael Jordan. In 1984, Nike signed the rookie basketball star to a lucrative endorsement deal. The plan was to create a signature shoe for Jordan that would revolutionize the sneaker industry.
Enter Peter Moore. Moore was a designer at Nike who had previously worked on the iconic Nike Dunk sneaker. He was tasked with creating the first Air Jordan shoe. Moore drew inspiration from Jordan’s on-court prowess and his off-court style. The result was the Air Jordan 1, a high-top sneaker with a bold design and the now-iconic “Wings” logo.
The Air Jordan 1 was a hit with sneakerheads and basketball fans alike. It quickly became one of the most sought-after sneakers on the market, and Nike’s sales skyrocketed. But Moore’s time with the Air Jordan brand was short-lived. After designing the first three Air Jordan models, he left Nike in 1987 to pursue other projects.
The Legacy of Tinker Hatfield
After Moore’s departure, the Air Jordan brand was handed over to designer Tinker Hatfield. Hatfield had previously worked on Nike’s running shoe line, but he quickly made his mark on the Air Jordan brand. He designed some of the most popular Air Jordan models, including the Air Jordan III, IV, V, VI, and XI.
Hatfield’s designs were inspired by everything from Michael Jordan’s Ferrari to African tribal art. He introduced new technologies to the Air Jordan line, like the visible Air cushioning in the sole of the Air Jordan III. He also made significant changes to the design of the Air Jordan sneaker. For example, he added a reflective material to the tongue of the Air Jordan V.
Hatfield’s contributions to the Air Jordan brand are immeasurable. He helped turn the sneaker into a cultural phenomenon and established the Air Jordan brand as one of the most iconic in the world.
The Benefits of the Air Jordan Sneaker
The Air Jordan sneaker has become more than just a basketball shoe. It has become a cultural symbol, worn by everyone from rappers to fashionistas. But what makes the Air Jordan sneaker so special?
For one, the Air Jordan sneaker is incredibly comfortable. The Air cushioning in the sole of the sneaker provides excellent shock absorption, making it perfect for basketball players and anyone who spends a lot of time on their feet.
In addition to comfort, the Air Jordan sneaker is also stylish. The bold designs and unique colorways make them a statement piece for any outfit. And because the Air Jordan brand has such a rich history, wearing a pair of Air Jordans is like wearing a piece of sneaker history.
Air Jordan vs Other Sneaker Brands
When it comes to basketball shoes, the Air Jordan brand is often compared to other sneaker brands like Adidas and Under Armour. So how does Air Jordan stack up?
One of the biggest advantages of the Air Jordan brand is its history. The Air Jordan sneaker has been around for over 30 years and has a loyal fan base. The brand has also been associated with some of the greatest basketball players of all time, like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant.
Another advantage of the Air Jordan brand is its style. The bold designs and unique colorways make them stand out from other sneaker brands. And because the Air Jordan brand has been around for so long, it has a wide range of styles to choose from.
In terms of performance, the Air Jordan sneaker is top-notch. The Air cushioning in the sole provides excellent shock absorption, making it perfect for basketball players. And because of its popularity, there are a wide range of Air Jordan models to choose from, each with its own unique features.
Conclusion
The Air Jordan sneaker has become much more than just a basketball shoe. It is a cultural icon, worn by everyone from basketball players to fashionistas. The first Air Jordan shoe was designed by Peter Moore, but it was Tinker Hatfield who established the Air Jordan brand as one of the most iconic in the world. With its combination of comfort, style, and performance, the Air Jordan sneaker is in a league of its own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find out everything you need to know about the designer of the first Jordan shoe with these frequently asked questions.
Who was the designer of the first Jordan shoe?
The first Jordan shoe was designed by Peter Moore. It was released in 1984 and was called the Air Jordan 1. Moore was a designer for Nike at the time and was tasked with creating a shoe that would appeal to Michael Jordan’s unique style and personality.
Moore’s design was inspired by a combination of Jordan’s playing style and a popular women’s shoe of the time, the Nike Delta Force. The shoe featured a high-top design with a bold colorway, which quickly became a signature look for the Air Jordan line.
What was the inspiration behind the design of the first Jordan shoe?
The design of the first Jordan shoe was inspired by a combination of Michael Jordan’s playing style and a popular women’s shoe of the time, the Nike Delta Force. Designer Peter Moore wanted to create a shoe that would not only appeal to Jordan’s unique style but also stand out on the court.
The high-top design and bold colorway of the Air Jordan 1 were a departure from the traditional basketball shoe designs of the time, which typically featured a low-top design in basic colors. Moore’s design was a risk that paid off, as the Air Jordan line quickly became one of the most popular and iconic sneaker lines in history.
When was the first Jordan shoe released?
The first Jordan shoe, the Air Jordan 1, was released in 1984. It was designed by Peter Moore and was a collaboration between Nike and Michael Jordan. The shoe was released in a bold red and black colorway, which quickly became a signature look for the Air Jordan line.
The Air Jordan 1 was a huge success and helped launch Michael Jordan’s career as well as the success of the Air Jordan sneaker line. Today, the Air Jordan line is one of the most popular and iconic sneaker lines in history.
What was the original price of the first Jordan shoe?
The original price of the first Jordan shoe, the Air Jordan 1, was $65. When the shoe was first released in 1984, it was considered expensive for a basketball shoe, as most basketball shoes at the time were priced around $20 to $30.
Despite the higher price point, the Air Jordan 1 was a huge success and quickly became one of the most popular and iconic sneaker lines in history. Today, original Air Jordan 1s can fetch thousands of dollars on the resale market.
How many colorways were released for the first Jordan shoe?
The first Jordan shoe, the Air Jordan 1, was released in several colorways. The original colorway was a bold red and black design, but other colorways were released shortly after, including a blue and black design and a black and red design.
Over the years, many more colorways have been released for the Air Jordan 1, making it one of the most versatile and customizable sneakers on the market. The Air Jordan 1 has been released in over 100 different colorways since its original release in 1984.
How Air Jordan Built A $3.6 Billion Sneaker Empire
The story of the first Jordan shoe is one that is woven with the threads of creativity, innovation, and passion. While many have heard of the legendary basketball player Michael Jordan and his famous footwear line, few know the intricate details of the design process that birthed the first Jordan shoe. The designer behind the iconic sneaker was Peter Moore, a graphic designer who created a design that would go on to change the face of the sneaker industry forever.
The first Jordan shoe not only revolutionized the way basketball sneakers were designed but also created a cultural phenomenon that still resonates today. With its sleek design and bold color scheme, the Jordan shoe captured the hearts of many and quickly became a symbol of style and athleticism. The shoe’s success can be attributed to the genius of its designer, who dared to break the mold and create something truly unique. Today, the Jordan brand continues to thrive, and the legacy of the first Jordan shoe lives on as a testament to the power of creativity and innovation in design.
