This is not your usual blog post, friends. Today, we’re discussing the legacy that started back in 1984 and is still going on, almost 4 decades later. The rookie with a bright future in the NBA became one of the biggest ballers and sneaker brand owners on and off the basketball court. Michael Jordan definitely left a mark on everyone’s hearts and memories. So let’s get down to business, and check out everything there is to know about the history of the Air Jordan line!
What you will learn here:
Michael “Air” Jordan
Michael Jeffrey Jordan was born in Brooklyn New York in 1963. He was an athletic kid and grew up earning a basketball scholarship at different universities. He went for the UNC basketball scholarship where his career took off. In 1984, Jordan made it to the NBA draft and was the 3rd overall pick made by the Chicago Bulls. His high athleticism earned him the nicknames “Air Jordan” and “His Airness” among many others. However, as important as he was on the hardwood floor, Jordan bypassed the court and became a cultural icon. He still stands as the debate subject of whether he or LeBron James is the GOAT. And that’s whether you were a Bull or not!
Basketball Career
If you were doing your homework after watching “The Last Dance” on Netflix, you’d know that during Jordan’s playing years, the Chicago Bulls won a double three-peat! The first three-peat happened in the 1991 – 1993 seasons. After winning the 1992 – 1993 season, Jordan went into retirement but came back less than 2 years later.
Upon returning, the Chicago Bulls managed to hit another three-peat during the 1995 – 1998 seasons. Due to management tension and differences, 1998 was Phil Jackson’s last year coaching the Bulls. But Jordan would play for nobody else, and his second retirement ensued.
After his second retirement, Michael Jordan became the president of basketball operations for the Washington Wizards in 2000. However, in late 2001 he came back again from his retirement to play for the Wizards. Finally, Jordan retired for the third and final time in 2003 and the age of 41. Today, many years after his final retirement, Air Jordan is still leaving a print in every basketball fan and sneakerhead’s heart.
How Did the Air Jordan Collaboration Start?
We can’t really separate Jordan’s basketball career from the deal with Nike. However, we’ll focus on the business side of things here.
As a rookie, Jordan initially wanted to sign with Adidas and didn’t even want to be with Nike because he didn’t like their shoes. He preferred kicks that were closer to the ground, Nike’s were high in his opinion.
However, Adidas declined the offer because they “couldn’t make a shoe work”. Converse didn’t think they needed a rookie when they had major deals with stars like Magic Johnson and Larry Bird.
Nike was eager for a basketball endorsement, mainly because, back then, it had a reputation for being a track shoe company.
So after taking his parents’ advice and visiting Nike’s headquarters, Jordan was offered a $500,000/5 years deal with his own shoe line: the Air Jordan! According to Jordan, his father told him that he’d be a fool not to take this deal. MJ ended up signing that deal, and the rest is history!
Nike expected the Air Jordan 1 to bring in a revenue of around $3 million in the first four years. But Jordan Brand, just like its namesake, brought in $126 million the first year alone!
The company went from being the underdog in the basketball industry to dominating 68.3% of the shoes worn in the NBA in 2020! And that’s partly thanks to the 1984 Jordan collaboration.
The Silhouettes
Air Jordan I: Where It All Started
Now here is an interesting story. In 1985, Michael Jordan was a rookie with a bright future in the NBA. So Nike gave him kicks fit for a star, which ultimately the NBA banned and fined Jordan $5,000 for wearing them. That’s the story we know though. But the truth is, the NBA banned a similar “bred” pair: the Nike Air Ship! However, Nike and Jordan Brand won’t admit it.. but we know. And we’re just waiting for the day when the OG Nike Air Ship will be up for auction. Will it top Jordan’s game-worn half-million AJ1s? Air Jordan 1 currently exists in high, mid, and low cuts.
Air Jordan II
The second installment of Air Jordan kicks was dubbed the “Italian Stallion”. The kicks were made in Italy with faux lizard skin. The silhouette was Bruce Kilgore’s last design with Peter Moore, the OG Jordan 1 designer. To those who don’t know him, Kilgore is the mind behind the iconic Air Force 1. The kicks dropped in a high and low cut. After losing the OG molds (or being stolen, rumors went wild there), Jordan Brand managed to find one of the molds and retroed the kicks for the first time in 2004!
Air Jordan III
The first-ever Jordan design by Tinker Hatfield. He eventually ended up designing 21 out of the 34 Jordan silhouettes! Actually, a lot of firsts took place with this shoe. The Jumpman logo made its first appearance on the tongue along with the elephant print which became a symbol of the Jordan 3s.
Air Jordan IV
Michael Jordan took “The Shot” wearing the 4s and helped the Chicago Bulls win the playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The kicks also made their appearance in Spike Lee’s movie “Do the Right Thing”. The wings gave people the ability to lace the kicks in a lot of different ways.
Air Jordan V
Tinker Hatfield took the word “Attack” to boot with this silhouette. MJ’s playstyle inspired Hatfield to design kicks as ferocious as the wearer. The shark-teeth design on the midsole is a clear giveaway!
Air Jordan VI
Jordan’s first NBA Championship title and the Air Jordan 6 go hand in hand. And we all know that everything about MJ is inspiring, even his sports car, which was the inspo behind the kicks. The AJ6 introduced the car spoiler-looking heel tab, to make wearing the kicks easier.
Air Jordan VII
The “Dream Team” nailed the 1992 Barcelona Olympics that year. And that called for a new pair of kicks! The colorful Air Jordan 7 was the first pair of Jordans to be marketed independently from Nike basketball!
Air Jordan VIII
The last pair of kicks that Michael Jordan wore before his first retirement. He was also wearing these shoes when the Chicago Bulls claimed their place among the big boys! They were the third team in the history of the game to manage to win three titles back to back.
Air Jordan IX
After his first retirement, MJ went on to the baseball Minor League and played for the White Sox. Jerry Reinsdorf, the owner of the Bulls, also owned the White Sox and kept Jordan’s deal running although he wasn’t playing basketball. However, the kicks kept on coming and we got the brand-new Air Jordan 9.
Air Jordan X
Tinker Hatfield designed this silhouette during MJ’s retirement. The kicks from collar to sole were a tribute to Jordan’s relatively short career. But Michael Jordan ended up wearing this pair when “he was back” in the 1994-95 season.
Air Jordan XI
This is maybe one of the most elegant pairs of Air Jordans. With Jordan back on the court ready to win his fourth ring, the kicks and their patent leather were eye-catching. AJ11 is still a favorite among sneakerheads everywhere.
Air Jordan XII
Michael Jordan made history in the 1996-97 season. He took his team to win their fifth title and start prepping up for a second three-peat! The build of this pair is just ahead of its time and was also elegant enough to be worn on and off the court.
Air Jordan XIII
The silhouette that took Jordan’s nickname “Black Cat” to boot! Tinker Hatfield designed this pair with the intention of making a physical interpretation of MJ’s stealth and speed. The added bonus of this pair is that MJ wore them during the 1997-98 season on their way to snatch their sixth title!
Air Jordan XIV
Or as we would like to call it, “The Last One”. It’s actually the last pair of kicks that Jordan wore during his time with the Chicago Bulls. Tinker Hatfield asked MJ to not wear the sample kicks, but he couldn’t resist their look! So just as Jordan managed to earn the legend title, he made the silhouette legendary. It’s worth noting that this silhouette is one of the most comfortable Jordans ever.
Air Jordan XV
Jordan retires, again. However, Air Jordan is far from doing that. This silhouette took the Air Jordan line in a new direction without earning any playtime on MJ’s feet. It actually paid tribute to the X-15 fighter jet, the world’s fastest manned aircraft. Jordan’s protruding tongue when he went for the dunk also made it to the actual tongue of the kicks! Moreover, the kicks featured a Kevlar fiber upper. Kevlar is a strong heat-resistant fiber, that provides high performance and protection.
Air Jordan XVI
With the new Millennium, new designs emerge. For more than a decade, that was the first time someone other than Tinker Hatfield designed an Air Jordan. Wilson Smith decided to merge business life and ball life together since Jordan went on to pursue an office position with the Washington Wizards. The magnetic shroud on the Air Jordan 16 gave the kicks a formal look while removing it would make you ready for an after-work game with friends!
Air Jordan XVII
The return of the legend to the game once again required a new pair of kicks. And that’s how AJ 17 came to life. The inspiration behind this pair was Jordan’s improvisation skills, his love for Jazz, and his Aston Martin. Because why not? It was the most expensive Jordan release. But then again, how many times will we get a metal briefcase and a CD-Rom with the kicks?
Air Jordan XVIII
On April 16, 2003, Jordan gave his last performance and retired for good. Air Jordan 18 was the last pair to make it to the court on His Airness’s feet. I was another sports car-inspired pair of sneakers. The OG AJ 18 “Black Royal” colorway came with a driver’s manual, a brush, and a towel.
Air Jordan XIX
A design fit for flight. Before Kobe Bryant adopted the Black Mamba nickname, the poisonous snake was the muse behind the Air Jordan 19. The Tech-Flex upper made its first appearance on this silhouette to provide added flexibility to the wearer.
Air Jordan XX
With Tinker Hatfield back at the helm, he and Jordan were planning something special! To celebrate 20 years of amazing shoes and a legendary brand. The icons we can see on the upper tell the story of Michael Jordan’s legendary career. Moreover, 69 dots on the midsole are a tribute to MJ’s high score game.
Air Jordan XXI
A sneaker that’s worthy of special agents! At first glance, the kicks look like any other basketball shoe. However, upon closer inspection, we can see the premium leather and carbon fiber that make up the kicks. The most intriguing bit about this pair of kicks is the hidden message that shows up only under black light!
Air Jordan XX2
Gone the days of the “fight or flight” mode. Air Jordan 22 screamed fight and flight! The silhouette took inspiration from the F-22 Raptor fighter jet. The radar-like zig-zag stitching on the side mimics the plane’s ability to deflect being discovered. The kicks featured the first titanium shank plate. (PS: Titanium’s atomic number is 22!)
Air Jordan XX3
The 23rd kicks materialized a legend’s DNA for the legacy’s 23rd year! So many details make this pair a treasure to own. The stitching is shaped like DNA, MJ’s own fingerprint is on the inside of the tongue and the outsole. Finally, we can find his autograph on the toe of the kicks. The extra bonus is the fact that Air Jordan 23 is the world’s first sustainable basketball shoe.
Air Jordan 2009
The first pair of sneakers to use the release year as a name. The upper of Air Jordan 2009 looks like a fencing uniform if you look at it closely. Why? Because Michel Jordan believes that one-on-one defense is pretty much like fencing! It is also the second Jordan to be part of the Considered Design.
Air Jordan 2010
The transparent TPU circular panels on the 24th installation of Air jordans are a nod to MJ’s power to see through opponents. Now we can see where Virgil Abloh got his Air Jordan 5 inspo from! The midsole hides Jordan’s famous quote: “I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”
Air Jordan 2011
This is the closest we could get to customizable Jordans. The AJ 2011 featured interchangeable midsoles: blue Zoom Air Units for quickness and red Air Unit for explosive play. Each player can choose the midsole depending on their way of playing. According to the designers, that’s similar to selecting your weapon of choice before the battle.
Air Jordan 2012
Well, zoot suits came back in 2012 in the shape of a pair of Air Jordans. However, the inside of the kicks features three different midsole options: “Quick”, “Air”, or “Explosive”. The player has the freedom to make the shoe that fits their game!
Air Jordan XX8
“Never judge a book by its cover.” This saying fits the 28th installation of Air Jordans. Underneath a zip-up boot-like casing, sits a lightweight responsive shoe. Tinker Hatfield said that the aim was to change the way basketball kicks look and perform.
Air Jordan XX9
With a 100% woven upper, the Air Jordan 29 was even lighter than its predecessors. With a redesigned Flight Plate that connects the forefoot and heel, the kicks were taking basketball shoes to a new level of responsiveness and cushioning.
Air Jordan XXX
The genius of Tinker Hatfield is the gift that keeps on giving. The upper of the pair number 30 transforms the “XXX” into a basketball net. The stars were a nod to MJ’s otherworldly talents because he is the first and foremost source of inspiration for the sneakers. Finally, the tongues featured the African and North American continents.
Air Jordan XXXI
This silhouette is plain and simple a modern take on the OG of the OGs, Air Jordan I. The Jordan Wings logo is there, but so are the swoosh and the Jumpman! The sole tributes the first AJI Bred colorway with “BANNED” written on it. And just when we thought basketball couldn’t get any lighter, Air Jordan 30 flips the table over!
Air Jordan XXXII
Another tribute to OG Air Jordans, but this time, it’s the legendary Air Jordan II. However, despite being inspired by AJ2, the kicks feature an innovative design and modern technology. Designer Tate Kuerbis managed to merge premium materials with performance. So when you wear AJ32, you not only look good but you feel it too! The kicks dropped in both high and low cuts.
Air Jordan XXXIII
The 33rd pair of Jordans took flight literally with the silhouette borrowing details from space flight suits. A FlightSpeed Plate and Zoom Air Unit provide the propulsion every baller needs when they take off for that dunk. Meanwhile. The FastFit system gives the wearer the ultimate support. Talk about innovation!
Air Jordan XXXIV
The last, but definitely not least, pair on our list. AJ34 took everything from the 33 previous models and molded them into the ultimate control, responsiveness, and lightness! With visible Zoom Air technology (which is a first), the kicks help athletes to fly high while keeping their stability.
Air Jordan XXXV
2020 was a lot of things, but definitely not boring. With everyone’s lives flipped upside down thanks to Covid and quarantine, the sneaker industry was booming. People who had extra time and money decided to invest that cash in different places, and the sneaker industry was a great option. And despite all the delays and technicalities, Jordan Brand managed to launch the Air Jordan 35. In addition to modern tech, JB took inspiration from the AJ5 in details like the tongue! So all in all, the kicks were a cool mashup of the past and present.
Air Jordan XXXVI
With 2020 coming and going, another Air Jordan silhouette made its debut in 2021. The 36s didn’t fall too far from the 35s if we’re completely honest. Besides the little technical improvements like the new Eclipse 3.0 plate, the silhouettes are very identical to each other. The silhouette also includes details that we’ve previously seen in Russel Westbrook’s sneakers! Finally, there’s a nod to the Jordan 6, like the heel and lace covers.
Air Jordan XXXVII
The freshest sneakers so far! Although the previous silhouettes were impressive in terms of sneaker tech, the kicks looked pretty similar. However, the Air Jordan 37 broke away from the previous silhouettes and brought its own flair to the game! From the upper to the geometrical details, the silhouette is obviously a modern take on the Jordan 7. And guess what – the carbon shank made a comeback with these babies, which is the first time it does since the AJ32. So, all in all, the sneakers are a successful mix of speed and flight!
Best Jordan Sneakers Backstories
Air Jordan 12 “Flu Game”
Words don’t make you the best in the game, actions do. That’s what we learned from Jordan the day he played his match while fighting flu-like symptoms on June 11, 1997. Jordan managed to drop 38 points on Utah Jazz and lead the series 3 -2. However, by the end of the game, he was so exhausted that he ended up being helped out of the court by Scottie Pippen. The kicks dropped again in 2003, 2009, and 2016. The “Flu Game” 12 is also one of the best red Jordans to exist!
Air Jordan 1 “Shattered Backboard”
We all know that Shaquille O’Neal has the reputation of being the backboard breaker, but Jordan had his share of a shattered backboard! In 1986, during an exhibition game in Italy, Jordan delivered a dunk so powerful it shattered the backboard. Glass shards rained over the players and an Air Jordan colorway was born years later! The black and orange are actually the color of the uniform His Airness was wearing. For detailed info about the kicks, click here.
Air Jordan 1 “Royal Blue”
A colorway that never made it to the court on Jordan’s feet. Yet, it became one of the Air Jordan 1s coolest colorways. It’s one of the OG 1985 colorways, and Jordan wore them with a matching black and blue flight suit. Moreover, the same outfit was seen on Jordan on the deck of a ship while playing with the villains of the Hare Jordan commercial! The kicks restocked several times, the latest being a rework of the colorway that dropped in 2020.
Air Jordan 11 “Space Jam”
Do we really need to explain this? Along with Hare Jordan, Air Jordan wore a special colorway in the 1996 movie Space Jam. However, Jordan rocked the pair earlier during the 1995 playoffs. The kicks restocked in 2000, 2009, 2016, and 2017. According to Nike, the 2017 Space Jam 11s were their most successful sneakers ever!
Air Jordan 11 “Bred”
For the full story of the Breds, check this out. But in short, this was the pair Jordan was wearing when he won his fourth ring (the first after returning from retirement though). However, it was a bittersweet moment for MJ because it was his first win after his dad’s tragic death. But little did the basketball world, the Bulls were on their way to a second three-peat!
Best Air Jordan Collaborations
Collaborations have been a major part of Jordan Brand’s popularity and a huge selling point. That’s obvious because the most expensive kicks are mostly collabs! However, some collaborations stand out more than others. So now we’re going to talk about the best Air Jordan collaborations:
Travis Scott x Air Jordan
It’s true that Travis has an extensive history of collabs, but his signature Jordan sneakers were groundbreaking in every way! With a massive fanbase and sneakerheads on the lookout, every drop is a battleground for the cook. However, if you actually manage to cop any Travis Scott signature kicks, flipping them is worth a small fortune. Our personal favorite pair is the Air Jordan 1 with the reverse swoosh!
Release Date: 5/11/2019
Retail Price: $175
Average Resale Value: $1,300
Off-White x Jordan
Virgil Abloh, the streetwear icon, took a bunch of Nike sneakers and deconstructed them in 2017. But naturally, the most popular design would end up being a pair of Air Jordans. He made a name for himself in the sneaker industry. However, as time passes, Virgil and his designs evolve. The most obvious example is his latest drop, the Air Jordan 5, which took a sentimental detour there. But that doesn’t stop us from putting him among the top 3 Jordan collaborators! Our, and probably the industry’s, favorite pair of Off-White x Jordans is the deconstructed Chicago Air Jordan 1!
Release Date: 9/9/2017
Retail Price: $190
Average Resale Value: $3,831
Jordan x KAWS
A collaboration that we can never really forget. This collab managed to blur the line between art and sports. Although the artist Brian Donnelly isn’t a sneakerhead himself, he created a pair of kicks that made every sneakerhead in the world want it. Two Air Jordan 4s dropped, but we love the OG Cool Grey collab. The kicks feature a full grey suede upper with all the KAWS detailings we love! The kicks dropped along with special apparel and were very exclusive.
Release Date: 3/31/2017
Retail Price: $350
Average Resale Value: $1,673
Trophy Room x Air Jordan
A Jordan-on-Jordan collab! MJ’s son, Marcus Jordan, is the owner of Trophy Room, the shop that takes you to Jordan’s trophy room without really being there. So it’s natural for the two brands to collaborate on many different Air Jordan kicks. Our favorite Air Jordan x Trophy room collab unfortunately never made it to the public! It’s the F&F Trophy Room x Air Jordan 4.
Release Date: Unreleased
Average Resale Value: $5,316
Last Decade’s Most Expensive Air Jordans
Air Jordan 4 x Eminem “Encore” (2017)
The original version of this pair dates back to 2005. 50 pairs were made for the artist’s friends and family to celebrate his fifth album “Encore” which dropped in late 2004. 12 years later, the kicks dropped once again, and they somehow were even more exclusive! Only 23 pairs were available for purchase.
Release Date: 12/15/2017
Average Resale Value: $18,000
Air Jordan 11 “Jeter”
Derek Jeter is a Major League Baseball player who played his entire career for the New York Yankees. As a tribute to him, Jordan brand dropped 5 pairs of Air Jordan 11 in his name. The kicks featured a navy suede upper and semi-translucent white outsole. The heels feature Jeter’s number “2” throughout his career. The 5 pairs were available via a scratch-off auction at a pop-up store next to the Yankee Stadium.
Release Date: 5/14/2017
Average Resale Value: $18,257
Travis Scott x Air Jordan 4 (F&F)
Who doesn’t want to be La Flame’s friend since 2018? When Chase B (Travis’ DJ) rocked the pair during the Cactus Jack block party, the public went absolutely crazy! We all had hopes that this would be the second Travis Scott x Air Jordan collaboration. However, the kicks stayed exclusive to friends and family.
Release Date: Unreleased
Average Resale Value: $13,250
Air Jordan 4 x Eminem x Carhartt
With Shady Records turning 15, Eminem teamed up once again with Jordan Brand to release a new pair of kicks. The kicks featured a black Carhartt upper and chrome wings. The kicks were sold on eBay via auction. All proceeds went to the Marshall Mathers Foundation.
Release Date: 11/23/2015
Average Resale Value: $10,200
Air Jordan 1 x Fragment (F&F)
When Jordan Brand and Hiroshi Fujiwara decide to collaborate, we know it’s gonna be explosive. And when the pair of Air Jordan 1 dropped in the blue colorway with the Fragment stamp, we loved it! However, little did we know that there will be a friend & family version and another public version. The difference between the two is the fragment motif on the heels. The motif on the F&F jordans is embossed in black. The public release has a tonal embossing. The differences may be subtle, but the resale value speaks for itself.
Release Date: 12/27/2014
Average Resale Value: $7,720
Top 3 Air Jordan Packs
Jordan packs were every sneakerhead and collector’s dream. So managing to own at least one of the packs back in the day meant that you’re one of the Jordan fanatics. But because there are many, we decided to share our favorite 5 packs with you!
Defining Moments Pack (6/11)
A pack celebrating memorable moments is something Jordanheads live for! So imagine dropping a pack of two cool silhouettes with a story. This was the first two-pair pack, and one of the highly-coveted releases, even today! The pack includes a pair of black and gold Air Jordan 6 and a pair of black, white, and gold AJ 11s. The pairs tribute the championships that the Bulls won in ‘91 and ‘96 respectively.
Release Date: 1/28/2006
Retail Price: $296
Average Resale Value: $1,000
Raging Bull Pack
The most “Chicago Bull” pack out there because the inspiration is Jordan’s time with the Bulls. Two Air Jordan 5s dropped in the Chicago Bulls colorway: Black and Red. One pair features a red suede upper, while the other dons a reflective black upper. Detailing such as the shark tooth midsole and the “23” on the heels make the pack a must-have.
Release Date: 5/30/2009
Retail Price: $310
Average Resale Value: $1,300
New Beginnings Pack
A pack that tributes the 1984 rookie in 2020! Everyone loves this pack because it includes the rare Nike Air Ship and Air Jordan 1 High 1985. So starting off 2020 with a pack of good memories was exciting on many levels!
Release Date: 2/12/2020
Retail Price: $350
Average Resale Value: $1,602
Best Women’s Air Jordans
Air Jordans have been a cultural icon ever since MJ signed that deal with Nike. However, women sneakerheads weren’t as lucky as men if they wanted to pamper themselves. But Jordan Brand decided to go the extra mile and include women who loved sneakers by dropping a complete collection of women-exclusive Air Jordan 1 sneakers. Today, women’s sneakers are becoming more popular, they’re even making men jealous sometimes! Although that step came a bit late, it’s better late than never. Let’s take a look at our favorite women’s Jordans.
We sorted the kicks based on their resale value.
Air Jordan 1 High Satin Black Toe
A classic takes a new spin to fit the ladies’ need for fashion and performance at the same time. The mix of satin and leather gives an air of class to a basketball shoe. The metal Wings logo on the collar completes the high-end look of the kicks.
Release Date: 8/17/2019
Retail Price: $160
Average Resale Value: $682
Air Jordan 1 High Satin Shattered Backboard
A year before the Satin Black Toe, Jordan Brand decided to tribute the shattered backboard accident in a very classy satin rendition of the Air Jordan 1 SB colorway. Needless to say, this is one of the most popular colorways among women’s Jordans.
Release Date: 5/5/2018
Retail Price: $160
Average Resale Value: $662
Air Jordan 1 Mid “Fearless” Melody Ehsani
A collaboration like no other! Melody Ehsani and Air Jordan took the concept of women’s kicks to a whole new level and dropped their first collaboration: Air Jordan 1 Mid. Kicks with a message are always a recipe for success. With a colorway inspired by something as simple as her nails’ color and some more awesome details, Melody made sure the ladies get a pair that they would flex really well! The kicks were a part of the “Fearless Ones” collection. And if you want more details, read this.
Release Date: 11/15/2019
Retail Price: $130
Average Resale Value: $558
Air Jordan 1 High UNC Patent Leather
As a tribute to Jordan’s UNC days, Jordan Brand decided to drop… A Jordan! The kicks dress up in a light blue, white, and obsidian patent leather upper. The look is complete with the Wings stamp on the heels.
Release Date: 2/14/2019
Retail Price: $160
Average Resale Value: $417
Air Jordan 6 High Aleali May
She’s a stylist, a model, and a fashion blogger. But most important of all is that she’s a sneakerhead! Her love for Jordans landed her a place on the design table. And the end result is a batch of really really cool kicks. However, one of these kicks stands out, and that’s the Air Jordan 6 Millennial Pink. If you want kicks that are obviously streetwear-worthy and feminine at the same time, you got it!
Release Date: 3/15/2019
Retail Price: $160
Average Resale Value: $364
How to Wear Your Jordans
Thanks to their versatility, the 34 different silhouettes, and the countless colorways, you’re free to wear Jordans in any way! Air Jordan sneakers can be worn with almost anything from casual, to formal, to game looks. There are also high, mid, and low tops, so there’s something for everyone! However, if you want some extra tips, check out our detailed guide on how to wear Jordans here.
How to Take Care of Your Air Jordans
If you’re looking for a general sneaker-cleaning guide, check this out. However, if you want some Jordan-specific tips and tricks, you came to the right place!
Laces
- The first rule is to remove all visible stains and dirt with a brush.
- White laces: Put them in a bucket full of water with a teeny tiny amount of bleach (3 tbsps). Oh, and you better wear gloves for that.
- Colored laces/with prints: Bleach is a no-no. Soak the laces in a bucket of water with a little bit of liquid soap, then stir them.
- The golden rule is to let the laces air dry, never blow dry them! And make sure they are 100% dry before re-lacing your kicks.
Insoles
- Remove the insoles and air them out.
- Use a soft brush to remove dirt and whatnot.
- Prepare the cleaning solution by mixing a few drops of dishwashing liquid or cleaning serum in a bucket of hot water.
- Clean the insoles with the soft brush after dipping it in the solution. (Make sure you use a circular motion)
- After removing the soap with a cloth, leave the insoles to air dry.
Leather Uppers
- Start by stuffing your jordans with a balled-up cloth.
- Mix cool water and some sneaker-cleaning serum in a bowl.
- Using a soft brush, gently clean the uppers with the solution. You don’t wanna ruin the leather, do you? (Circular motions my friend)
- Scrub the midsoles with a hard brush to remove all the dirt.
For suede uppers, check out this video!
Outsoles
- To finish off the cleaning process, redo the cool water-cleaning serum mix.
- Start off with a superficial cleansing using a hard brush to remove the obvious dirt.
- For the stubborn filth in the cracks, clean the hard brush, and go through every one of them thoroughly.
Once you’re done cleaning the whole shoe, time to dry it! Pat the Jordans with a microfiber cloth, and then leave them to dry on their own!
The Last Dance
Netflix and ESPN took care of Jordanheads the same way they’d take care of their kicks: THE BEST WAY. They teamed up to give us what’s arguably the greatest sports docuseries to ever bless our screens. The Last Dance is one of the rare shows that unite the whole world. However, the effect of the series went beyond sports and slithered its way into the sneaker industry. And if you wanna know how it affected the industry, read this.
The Future of Air Jordan in the Industry
To wrap up, Air Jordans (especially earlier silhouettes) always have been hype-worthy kicks. However, some releases are not as popular as others. This is one of the major things that influence their resale value. Moreover, a general release with a high stock will likely result in a lower aftermarket value. But you always get that valuable exclusive pair or very popular collab or sentimental pair! You can read more about how to spot hype kicks here.
As for the future, Jordan Brand has made it clear to the sneaker industry that it’s here to stay. And with the latest shift in the industry following Adidas and Ye’s breakup, Jordans are further cementing their presence. To make sure that happens, they’re regularly inking more and more athletes, celebs, and artists! The diversity and interesting campaigns are a sure way to keep the brand alive and strong for a long time. And finally, as long as Michael Jordan’s basketball legacy lives on, so will Air Jordan sneakers.
