The 1995 Nike Air Jordan 11 was the first sneaker in the Jordan line to feature patent leather. It was designed by Tinker Hatfield in collaboration with Michael Jordan. The design has a high level of elegance and functionality. Today, the sneaker model is considered Jordan's favorite. Before the sneaker was released, Michael Jordan had announced his retirement from basketball. in 1995, however, he returned to the court - wearing the Air Jordan 11 for his comeback. He celebrated brilliant success in the sneaker, securing the title of MVP (Most Valuable Player) and All-Star MVP.
In 1985, the Nike Air Jordan 1 was released, a shoe that revolutionized the sneaker market. The US designer Peter B. Moore developed it in collaboration with Michael Jordan. The red and black model was so successful that, in addition to the very high version, an "Air Jordan 1 Mid" with a medium silhouette and an "Air Jordan 1 Low" with a low silhouette were released.
The Nike Air Jordan 6 was released in 1991 and once again Tinker Hatfield was responsible for the design. His inspiration: a German sports car. Michael Jordan was a big car fan. His Porsche 911 served as a template for certain design elements of the new sneaker. It has a special tab on the heel that, with a little imagination, evokes associations with a vehicle spoiler.
The Nike Air Jordan 5 was designed to be even more offensive than its predecessors. Michael Jordan had an outstanding season in 1989/90. The new sneaker should represent his ambition on the court. Tinker Hatfield was again responsible for the design. The midsole was given a special detail reminiscent of sharp shark teeth. The outsole was transparent, which was also a first for the Jordan line. The unique foam footbed allowed for a great wearing experience.
The Nike Air Jordan 3 became part of a legendary photo: In 1988, Michael Jordan wore the sneaker and competed with it in a slam dunk contest - in the middle of the jump from the free throw line the said picture was taken. Michael Jordan won the contest and the photo went around the world. Many basketball fans then had a poster with this moment hanging in their rooms.
The Air Jordan 4 was a special throw for Nike. Released in 1989, it was the first sneaker in the Air Jordan series to be sold around the world. Michael Jordan made an unforgettable statement with them in the 1988/89 playoffs during the deciding game: a buzzer beater that knocked the Cleveland Cavaliers out of the playoffs. This moment went down in basketball history as "The Shot."
The great success of the Air Jordan 1 motivated Nike to release a second model: the Air Jordan 2. This sneaker was also designed for NBA legend Michael Jordan. Peter Moore and Bruce Kilgore took care of the design. Released in 1986 and manufactured in Italy, the Air Jordan 2 did not have an easy start. As the successor to the Air Jordan 1, expectations were very high. It was not immediately met with enthusiasm, so it was more of a love at second sight.
This sneaker made history: The Air Jordan 1 was developed for the basketball player Michael Jordan, who at that time (1985) shone with the Chicago Bulls and was under contract with Nike. The red and black shoe, which Michael Jordan wore from then on at his games, caused quite a stir, and not only among his fans: The color combination was actually not allowed by the NBA, as the dress code stated that shoes on the court had to be 51 percent white.