Evolution Of Nike Air Jordan

AIR JORDAN every basketball lover and sneaker heads are head over heels for Air Jordan. Air Jordan is a brand producing basketball shoes, athletic, casual, and style clothing produced by NIKE. It was created for a former NBA player,the legendary Michael Jordan. The original Jordan sneakers were produced only for Michael in the early 1984. And later they released to the public in the late 1984. Shoes were designed by Peter Moore, Tinker Hatfield, and Bruce Kilgore.

Now, let’s look at the evolution of Jordan’s

    Air Jordan I “The One That Started It All”

This is Air Jordan 1 released in 1985 and designed by Peter Moore. Jordan had signed 5 year endorsement with Nike, and brought this iconic shoe to the world. NBA banned the original Jordan as it didn’t meet the league’s uniform and color. Yet Michael wore them and was fined with penalty which Nike paid without any concern behalf of him. This Air Jordan is the only one to feature Nike Swoosh logo. The OG shoes featured the Wings logo – a basketball with wings stretching over on both sides and” Air Jordan” printed above the ball. Its original price was $65.

Air Jordan II “The Journey Of Jordan Begins With Sights Set High”

This is Air Jordan 2, released in 1986, designed by Bruce Kilgore. Nike faced a big challenge of unprecedented success of their   original Jordan. This was the first and to date only Jordon to be produced in Italy. Kilgore who had also produced Air Force One made this Jordan as well. This was the first shoe to not have the iconic  Nike Swoosh logo.  “Nike” appeared across the top of the heel counter and “Wings” logo of the Original Air Jordan was on the tongue. Its original price was $100.

 Air Jordan III – “The Beginning Of An Era And The Arrival Of An Icon”

This is Air Jordan III, released in 1988, designed by Tinker Hatfield. Architect turned designer Tinker Hatfield took lead on this project, he sparked new style for AJ III which was like an evolution. He introduced elephant print overlays. This was one of Jordan’s signature sneaker to feature now-famous  Jumpman Logo.  Its original price was $100.

Air Jordan IV – “On A Trajectory All His Own, Jordan Pioneers A Road To Success”

This is Air Jordon IV, released in 1989, designed by Tinker Hatfield. The Jumpman logo made its appearance again on the tongue but with the word “Flight” written below it. The AJ IV came with mesh for the first time which amplified breathability, multiple areas featured plastic. The plastic heel tab which read “Nike Air” was similar to AJ III. The original price of the shoe was $110.

Air Jordan V –“Pushing Through the Noise, A Fighter rises”

This is Jordan V, released in 1990, designed by Tinker Hatfield. This shoe was a statement for Michael’s aggressive nature on the court. AJ V featured a sharktooth on the lateral midsole which was inspired from the World War II P-51 Mustang Fighter Plane. An embroidered Jumpman logo graced a tongue, that in certain color ways, also featured  3M reflectivity on the outside. Air Jordan was stitched inside. The original cost of the shoe was $125.

Air Jordon VI – “Victory Validates The Warrior’s Dedication”

This is Air Jordon VI, released in 1991, Tinker Hatfield.  This shoe is a fixture in basketball history. Most apparent on AJ VI was the leather overlays, which upon closer inspection reveal a “2” and a “3” to honor MJ’s uniform number. The shoes original price was $125.

Air Jordon VII – “Spirit OF Jordan Goes Global

This is Air Jordon VII, released in 1992, designed by Tinker Hatfield. This shoes inspiration was from Africa’s Tribe Art, with bold lines on the mid soles. It is also incorporated by Nikes Huarache technology – named for Mexican style sandals. As it has neoprene inner booty to ensure comfort, also helping in reducing the weight of the shoe making it the lightest shoe at that time. AJ VII bid farewell for visible Air Sole. The original cost of the shoe was $125.

Air Jordan VIII – “Jordan Dominates The field And Leaves A Mark”

This is Air Jordan VIII, released in 1993, designed by Tinker Hatfield. Early in February AJ VIII was launched, this signature shoe of his collection is the heaviest ever in their line. It has splash of color along the heel and on the midsole and outsole. The brand returned to their Huarache style. Also Bugs Bunny was in shoes marketing campaign. The original cost of this shoe was $125.

Air Jordan IX – “Providing That The Game Will Never Really Ends”

This is Air Jordan IX, released in 1993, designed by Tinker Hatfield. This shoe became the first which the champion himself didn’t wear even once on the entire competition. Polyurethane sat atop the rubber outsole in a tooth like design. The back of the shoe features a molded plastic globe graphic with a jumpman logo. The original price was $125.

Air Jordan X – "MJ Marks His Place In The History With A Drive that Wont Quit "

This is Air Jordan X , released in 1994, designed by Tinker Hatfield. AJ X design was simplistic. It featured clean lines, light weight cushioning, and an outsole commemorated his career to the point.  The other original color ways, were part of city series that featured five color schemes of NBA teams. Chicago, Orlando, New York, Sacramento and Seattle. The original cost of the shoe was $125.

 Air Jordan XI – “Back With Vengeance, Greatness Returns”

This is Air Jordan XI, released in 1995, designed by Tinker Hatfield. Hatfield watched videos of Jordan and his play style. So he took the opportunity to blend substance with style adding patent leather for thr first time on basketball shoe, and it fulfilled MJ’s reported desire of wearing the shoes with suit. The original price of the shoe was $125.

Air Jordan XII- “Jordan Earns his Stripes”

This is Air Jordan XII, released in 1996, designed by Tinker Hatfield. This shoe was an inspiration from women’s fashion shoe and Japanese flag.  The rich leather upper was stitched to resemble a rising sun, while faux reptile leather comprised the toe and accent overlays. It featured the slogan “Two 3” down the tongue, metal lace hoops ,with jumpman logos. And a pull tab which ran all over the entire heel which read “Quality Inspired By Greatest Player Ever”. The original cost was $135.

Air Jordan XIII –“Black Cat Rises”

This is Air Jordan XIII, released in 1997, designed by Tinker Hatfield. MJ used to attack on opponents like a predator cat. Tinker tapped into his feel for Air Jordan XIII. This shoe is loaded with both design and performance. The most prominent feature is the hologram on the upper that resembled an eye of a panther, while the outsole has paw like design. This original price was $150.

Air Jordan XIV – “With His Sixth Ring, Legend Status Is Attained”

This is Air Jordon XIV, released in 1998, designed by Tinker Hatfield. Hatfield teamed up with Mark Smith on AJ XIV.  They modeled this shoe with keeping in mind MJ’s love for exotic cars. Specifically inspired by Ferrari. It featured Ferrari-like shield with jumpman logo, the logo is visible on the side heel, outsole, insole, back heel, toe and on metal lace tips. Its original price  was $150.

Air Jordan XV-“The Saga Continues”

This is Air Jordan XV, released in 1999, designed by Tinker Hatfield. This was inspired from X-15 Fighter Plane. The upper was built with woven Kevlar material, it had a fully molded Pebax reinforced heel counter and it incorporated a large mesh tongue.  The heel counter featured numbers significant to MJ’s career: 23.6.15 represented his jersey number, the titles won and shoe model. The heel counter extended to the outsole and read 2.17 Jordan’s Birthday.  Its original price was $150.

Air Jordan XVI–“New Season Shrouded In surprise”

This is Air Jordan XVI, released in 2001, designed by Wilson Smith. Smith drew inspiration from Marching boots, high performance automobile and architecture. The full grain leather and breathable mesh upper was covered by a unique removable shroud. Its Original price was $160.

Air Jordan XVII –“The Magician Returns”

This is Air Jordan XVII released in 2002, designed by Wilson Smith. Smith had few of plans for AJ XVII, The brand signed with Jazz Musician Michael Phillip. Smith elicited the smooth lines and flow of jazz solo as his theme. He incorporated the fine details of luxurious Aston Martin automobile, and outsole design is said to resemble the fairways, sand traps, and greens of golf course – testament to one of MJ’s favorite pastimes. Its original cost was $200.

Air Jordan XVIII – “The Final Bow”

This is Air Jordan XVIII, released in 2003, designed by Tate Kurbis. This was inspired by high end automobiles, sleek racing lines, F1 racing cars and race driving shoes. It contains one piece leather upper. This shoe was released in a pull out box with a cut out of “18” on the lid. It included a brush for black suede, a towel for cleaning, and a driver’s manual booklet. Its original price was $175.

Air Jordan XIX –“A New Day Dawns”

This is Air Jordan XIX, released in 2004, designed by Tate Kuerbis, Wilson Smith III, Jason Mayden, Josh Heard, and Suzette Henri.  The team was inspired from deadly black mamba. This shoe featured lightweight, supportive tech flex material on upper to create the lightest, most breathable Air Jordan. The original cost of it was $165.

Air Jordan XX –“Standing The Test Of Time”

This is Air Jordan XX, released in 2005, designed by Tinker Hatfield. Tinker like how he did on the previous models he took inspiration through MJ’s love for automobiles.  XX was one of the last in five models run of Air Jordan that covered the lace. The heel bore the numbers 85 and O5, signifying the year Air Jordan line was introduced and XX was introduced.  Highlight of this shoe is the laser etched logo treatment on the strap, created by Mark Smith, to pay homage for Jordan’s life. The original cost of the shoe was $175.

Air Jordan XX1 –“Working-Class Luxury”

This is Air Jordan XX1, released in 2006, designed by D’Wayne Edwards. Edwards started a two-shoe run in the Air Jordan line. Maintaining the theme of sporty and luxurious automobiles, he took inspiration from Bentley Continental GT Coupe. This shoe featured seamless diamond –quilted bootie, clean upper and lower foot air grille. The wearer could choose between Zoom Air and Encapsulated Air Cushioning in the heel. The original cost of the shoe was $175.

 Air Jordan XX2-“Flight At New Heights”

This is Air Jordan XX2, released in 2007, designed by D’Wayne Edwards. The inspiration for this shoe was the F-22 raptor Fighter Jet. The sharp lines of the XX22, upper were patterned after sharp maneuverability of the F-22.  It featured zigzag stitching inspired by the jet. The first titanium-coated shank was built for lace loops.  The original price of the shoe was $175.

Air Jordan XX3 –“What’s In A Number”

This is Air Jordan XX3, released 2008, designed by Tinker Hatfield.  Hatfield had included new technology and craftsman ship. This was the first basketball shoe to incorporate the Nike construction system, which was developed to reduce waste and use environmental friendly materials without affecting the performance of the shoe. MJ’s initials are stitched on upper of each color way. The shoe features a hand-stitched upper, articulated chassis, full length quilted bootie, carbon fiber plate, and reinforced quarter panels. The original price was $185.

Air Jordan 2009 –“A Pivot In The Game”

This is Air Jordan 2009, released 2009, designed by Jason Mayden. Focusing on MJ’s defensive game, Jason took inspiration from Fencing, where skill, strategy and at athleticism are key to success. This was the second Jordan to follow Nike’s process, which focuses on low waste, and on water based solvent materials that don’t harm the environment.  The original cost of the shoe was $190.

Air Jordan 2010 –“The Visionary”

This is Air Jordan 2010, released in 2010, designed by Tinker Hatfield and Mark Smith. The two collaborated and continuing the unique style of Air Jordan line, they made a clear thought on the side of the shoe meant to symbolize looking inside of Michael Jordan and his game. The midsole featured a hidden quote from MJ which says his famous lines “I’ve failed over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” The asymmetrical collar makes a return to Air Jordan line, with a higher medial side of the collar and the lateral side dropping down more than the normal. The original price was $170.

Air Jordan 2011-“Choose Your Weapon”

This Air Jordan 2011, released in 2011, designed by Tinker Hatfield and Tom Luedecke. This had crafted several unique elements and was well crafted.  Such as color fade in leather, which can be hand buffed for change of color. The attention to detail makes this pair a remarkable one. This followed a crazy lacing system set up like “Five Seatbelts”. The cushioning came in two different options, “The Explosive” and “The Quick”. The original cost of the shoe was $170.

Air Jordan 2012-“Roots Run Deep”

This is Air Jordan 2012, released in 2012, designed by Tinker Hatfield and Tom Luedecke.  This was inspired from dancing shoes of 120’s and 30’s.  This shoe was a next step in evolution of the optional insoles, being designed around the idea of “One Shoe’ Three Flights”.

·        The “Fly Around” is for players who rely on speed and agility to reach basket

·        The “Fly Over” is for players who rely on elevation and off the ground explosiveness to impact the game.

·        The “Fly Through” is for power players.

The Original price of the shoe was $180.

Air Jordan XX8-“Concept Care of Basket Ball”

 This is Air Jordan XX8, released in 2013, designed by Tinker Hatfield. The AJ XX8 featured all the comfort cushioning but all behind a shroud, zippered to enable the wearer to decide how much to reveal. The sock like shroud comprised with high end material from Schoeller textiles in Switzerland. The zipper folded neatly to reveal a ”2” medial side of one of the shoe and a “3” on the medial side of the other shoe, Representing MJ’s jersey number. It featured blank slate which Jordan’s promised to use variety of eye catching colorways.  The original price of the shoe was $250.

Air Jordan XX9-“The World’s Best Basket Ball Shoes”

This is Air Jordan XX9, released in 2004, designed by Tinker Hatfield. The revolutionary upper consisted of a performance woven single piece, designed to eliminate excessive layering. The web like structures are made through a special machine. Hatfield designed this upper to allow the structure, support, interior comfort, and exterior abrasion resistance in a style inspired by an Italian label manufacturer. The original cost of the shoe was $225.

Air Jordan XXX –“Next Frontier Of Flight”

This is Air Jordan XXX, released in 2016, designed by Tinker Hatfield and Mark Smith. With the third X comes an epic milestone in this line. Hatfield and smith broke the AJ XXX into 5 categories.

·        Height

·        Toe

·        Traction

·        Material

·        Fit

Tinker purposefully did not hint at any particular retro style, Instead, he chose the cosmos as the image that the best represent MJ’s talents. The original price $185.

Air Jordan XXXI-“New Anti-Gravity Machine”

This is Air Jordan XXXI, released in 2016, designed by Tate Kuerbis. One way the AJ XXXI looked to the future was in the way it incorporated old school leather, with latest technology. Combined leather and woven upper also had color blocking. This shoe had interspersed black and red threads throughout making a fade pattern of Nike swoosh logo, adding a space to make a big Jumpman logo on the sides. MJ’s personal logo Wings were embossed on the medial side of the ankle. The original cost of the shoe was $185.

 Air Jordan XXXII –“Style of Innovation”

This is Air Jordan XXXII, released in 2017, designed by Tate Kuerbis. David Creech Nike’s VP of design said “Our goal with AJ XXXII  was to combine essence of AJ II with today’s best innovation”, to create distinct design language both on the court and off the court.  For the first time AJ featured Flyknit upper. It’s comprised with high tenacity yarn that combines stretch & comfort.  The most noticeable thing is the way AJ XXXII emulates sloping lines of the AJ II. The horizontal fins across the Achilles on the AJ II are blown out on XXXII, covering a larger area and flowing into rest of the design. The original cost of the shoe was $185.

Air Jordan XXXIII – “Prepare to Fly”

This is Air Jordan XXXIII, released in 2018, designed by Tate Kuerbis. From day one flight has been central of the game. With AJ XXXIII, takes a daring leap, utterly abandoning convention with new FastFit entry, tightening and release system. Inspired from Flight utility this tastefully takes few elements from AJ III.  Flight Speed Plate and Zoom Air Unit reduce weight.  The original cost of the shoe was $175.

Air Jordan XXXIV –“ Make Less More”

This is Air Jordan XXXIV, released in 2019, designed by Tate Kuerbis. Designed using concise of amplified reduction, AJ XXXIV removes distraction and makes player feel light on feet and fly high. This is Jordan’s lightest game shoes ever made, providing control in any direction.  A sleek new Eclipse Plate, combined with visible Zoom Air Technology and the best in class  herringbone traction, enables optimal explosion off the foot. The original price of the shoe was $180.

So these are all the Air Jordan released till date, exception of all the color ways and other combined variants.

Image and Picture credits: Nike Jordan