How the Air Jordan I Became the Most Popular Shoe on the Planet
The Jordan I is undoubtedly iconic, but what's caused the popularity spike in the past few years?
Air Jordan is solidified as one the most recognisable household brands in all of sportswear and fashion.
The AJ1 was first released back in November of 1984 for a price of $65. The shoe was designed by Peter Moore. Moore also went on to create the Nike Dunk in the same year.
Nike took a risk signing rookie Michael Jordan for his own signature sneaker. Nike often doubted how profitable the shoe would be. The shoe completely surpassed sales expectations and was a worldwide success.
The AJ1 features an encapsulated air unit in the heel with front to back traction on the sole.
The AJ1 was initially released in two forms – high and low top. In the early 00s, Jordan Brand created the AJ1 mid featuring Jordan branding on the tongue and heel replacing the iconic Nike Air branding.
Mids are also around an inch shorter than high AJ1s. Overall, mids received mixed reviews from a design point of view. Sneakerheads often view mids as a bastardised version of the original silhouette.
The AJ1 isn't short of iconic colourways. This includes; the Breds, Chicagos, Royals, UNCs, Neutral Greys and Black Toes as well as many others. Since the AJ1, there have been many successors with the Jordan line reaching over 34 mainline models.
With the AJ4, AJ6 and AJ11 remaining fan favourites, you may have noticed the AJ1’s recent spike in popularity. Nostalgia is largely responsible for the hype.
Social media, as well as vintage clothing, have helped the AJ1 reach new heights. Collaborations with Travis Scott, Off-White and Dior have let the AJ1 crossover into high fashion.
The sought-after collabs raised the interest and price in the regular versions of the shoe. The 10-part docu-series ‘The Last Dance’ released in 2020 has also bolstered the Air Jordan's hype.
Air Jordan 1 x Dior collaboration. Image property of Nike/Jordan Brand and Dior.
Air Jordan 1 x Cactus Jack collaboration. Image property of Nike/Jordan Brand and Cactus Jack.
The series chronicles the MJ and the Chicago Bulls through their final championship with Phil Jackson. A major sell for the AJ1 is its simplicity. The wings logo and the padded nylon tongue are simple yet effective.
The AJ1 has been worn by everyone from athletes to fashion models, shoe fanatics and skaters all trying to be like Mike…
