1985 is one of the most important years in sneaker history. It’s the year when Michael Jordan stepped out onto the NBA court in his soon-to-be iconic black-and-red sneakers, sparking a moment that would come to define sneaker culture.
Whether you’re a sneakerhead or a fashion aficionado, learning about Air Jordan history is key to understanding streetwear and the cultural impact of sneakers. Air Jordans aren’t just one of the best-selling sneaker styles; they also represent one of Nike’s most successful marketing strategies.
Over 40 years since their initial release, Michael Jordan shoes continue to capture the imagination of sneaker collectors and streetwear fans alike. In this article, we’re exploring a brief history of Air Jordans and sharing eco-friendly sneaker care advice to help you preserve and protect your favourite styles.
The Nike/Michael Jordan Deal That Changed Everything
In an era of celebrity endorsement and brand collaborations, it’s easy to assume that the Nike Jordan deal was always destined to be a success. In reality, it was one of the biggest gambles Nike could make. When Michael Jordan, a breakout basketball star from the University of North Carolina, entered the 1984 NBA draft, he instantly caught the brand’s attention.
Although initially keen to sign with Adidas, Nike secured a deal with Michel Jordan by promising his own signature sneaker line. It was the first of its kind for any athlete, with the black-and-red Air Jordan 1 sneakers going against the NBA uniform policy, earning Michael Jordan a $5,000 fine for every game he wore them.
With Nike paying the fines on Jordan’s behalf, it laid the groundwork for a marketing campaign focused on the supposed ban. The banned Air Jordans became a symbol of resistance, transcending the world of sports to become an instant icon of streetwear.
More than just an eventual status symbol, the Air Jordans arguably began today’s sneaker culture. Without the Air Jordan 1, we wouldn’t have brands and collaborations like Off-White, Yeezy, and Lebron James shoes. The Air Jordans marked the start of partnerships between athletic brands and sports stars, with limited-edition drops creating a feeling of exclusivity.
Air Jordan Sneaker Timeline: The Most Iconic Air Jordans
The last 40 years have seen the release of dozens of iconic Jordans, each representing the evolution of sneaker trends, Michael Jordan’s career, and the growth of streetwear. Instead of diving into a complete Air Jordan sneaker timeline, we’re spotlighting some of the best Air Jordans to showcase how they’ve impacted the industry.
1. Air Jordan III (1988)
The third edition of the Air Jordan sneakers marked a turning point in the collaboration. It’s when the iconic Jumpman logo made its first appearance, designed by Tinker Hatfield as a symbol that would come to define Michael Jordan’s career. The Tinker Hatfield Jordans were significant as they saved Nike’s collaboration with the basketball star by introducing a more fashion-focused style with visible Air cushioning.
2. Air Jordan XI (1995)
Like most great sports stars, Michael Jordan took a short retirement from the NBA. Nike marked his return in 1995 with the Air Jordan XI, one of the most recognisable designs, with its futuristic carbon fibre plate, patent leather, and mesh uppers. Nicknamed the ‘Space Jam Jordans’, Michael Jordan wore the sneakers throughout the 1996 season and during his appearance in the Space Jam movie.
3. Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG (2015)
The mid-2010s, amongst the growth of social media and fuelled by nostalgia, saw a major era of growth for Air Jordans. With streetwear breaking into mainstream fashion, Nike reissued the original Jordan 1s in iconic colourways, such as ‘royal’ and ‘Chicago’.
This era also saw several Air Jordan collaborations, including with Off-White and Travis Scott, with these vintage-inspired styles seeing even higher demand and resale prices than newer models.
If you’re buying sneakers from this golden era of Air Jordans, you can use KLARVIA’s eco-friendly sneaker care products to help you protect and preserve your sneakers for years to come.
Photo by Isaak Jahn
The Growth of the Sneaker Culture and Preserving Your Air Jordans
The sneaker industry is a multi-billion-dollar niche, thanks in no small part to the Air Jordans. What began as a sports collaboration sparked the start of today’s sneaker culture, with new releases becoming major events. Resale culture went from a small community-focused trade to a billion-dollar industry of its own as social media and platforms like StockX and Hypebeast grew in popularity.
The last decade has seen a focus on Jordan collabs, showcasing how widespread sneaker culture has become. Brands like Off-White and Dior have all partnered with Nike to create exclusive Air Jordans, bringing new audiences to the collaboration.
Whether you’re interested in reselling your limited-edition Jordans or want to preserve your favourite styles, sneaker protection has never been more important. Even if you wear your Air Jordans, some styles can still maintain – or surpass – their original value.
Knowing how to clean Air Jordans can help remove stains, prevent yellowing, and keep your sneakers crease-free. At KLARVIA, our sustainable sneaker cleaning products protect your investment and give you the confidence to wear your Air Jordans every day.
Show Your Air Jordans the Respect They Deserve with KLARVIA’s Sneaker Protection
What started as one of Nike’s riskiest collaborations helped create a multi-billion-dollar sneaker industry. Air Jordans aren’t just a sneaker; they represent a cultural movement and one of the most beloved sports collaborations of all time. Whatever Air Jordans you’re wearing, give them the TLC they deserve with KLARVIA cleaning products.
Join the waitlist for our eco-friendly sneaker cleaning kits to give your Air Jordans a refresh. Want to join the sneakerhead community? Follow KLARVIA on Instagram and TikTok to see exclusive behind-the-scenes content and more Air Jordan cleaning tips. 
