When it comes to basketball, heck, any professional sport, no one is more iconic than Michael Jordan. Many consider him the greatest basketball player of all time. That's why they call him the GOAT. He also goes by His Airness, Air Jordan, and MJ. A lot of people want to be 'Like Mike'.
That's why people reference him in everyday life. "He/she/they is the Michael Jordan of this law firm," said the Junior Partner. "He/she/they is the Michael Jordan of school lunches," the teacher told the new student.
Air 2023 Movie Quotes About 'The Shoe'
“He doesn’t wear the shoe. He is the shoe. The shoe is him.”
“We create the shoe around the athlete.”
“She is always just a shoe until someone steps into it.”
“In order for the shoe to be meaningful then Michael has to create the meaning in the shoe.”
“A shoe is just a shoe until my son steps into it.”
“We need you in these shoes, not so you have meaning in your life, so we have meaning in ours.”
“He did say if someone was to buy him a Mercedes SL 380 he’d sign a contract with any shoe company except Nike.”
BTW, I highly recommend the movie 'Air.' It helped me realize why people love Jordans and why they are so iconic. It's not about the shoe. It's the STORY behind the shoe that makes it iconic. It's about Michael Jordan and his greatness and how we can all relate to it, not because we are great, but because the PURSUIT of GREATNESS is available to all of us.
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Best Jordans AWARDS (Purely Opinion)
Most Popular: Jordan 1 'Chicago' - Shop on Amazon or eBay
Best Looking: Jordan 1 'Chicago' - Shop on Amazon or eBay
Most Looking Like It Has Secret Charizard Powers:
Coolest In A Fresh Way: Jordan 1 Retro High ‘Pine Green’ (They should have called this 'The Starbucks') - Shop on Amazon or eBay
Nice Guy With A Dark Side: Jordan 11 ‘Bred’ - Shop on Amazon or eBay
Not The Jordan 1 But It's Damn Cool: Jordan New Beginnings Pack Retro High 1 & Nike Air Ship - Shop on Amazon or eBay
Coolest In A Fresh But Dark Way, Kinda Like Your Good Friend in College Who Was an Emo or E-Girl: Air Jordan 1 Retro ‘Royal’ - Shop on Amazon or eBay
Cool & Classy: Jordan 13 Retro Low ‘Chutney’ - Shop on Amazon or eBay
23 Iconic Jordans and When Did Michael Jordan Actually Wear Them?
Michael Jordan wore the Air Jordan 1 throughout his rookie season of 1984 - 1985. Around this time, Nike ran the legendary commercial 'Banned.' In the commercial, they mentioned when Nike created the Jordan 1, and one month later, the NBA banned them. But the punchline is the NBA can't ban YOU from wearing the Jordan 1. Awesome! Getting banned made them more desirable. To this day, the Jordan 1 is the most iconic and most sought-after Jordans.
Why was it banned? I learned this from the Air Movie. Back then, the NBA wanted sneakers to be majority white in colorway. The NBA fined Michael Jordan $5,000 for every game. Nike paid for it. Since Michael played 82 games in his rookie year, they paid a fine of approximately $410,000. Ouch! Thankfully, the Air Jordan 1 'Chicago' generated $126 million in revenue in its first year.
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#2. Jordan 3 'Black Cement'
Michael wore the 'Black Cement' during the historical 'Free Throw Line Dunk' at the 1988 NBA Slam Dunk, where he won. During the All-Star Game, where he was MVP, he wore the 'White Cement.' He also wore them throughout the 1987-1988 NBA Season. --------------------------
#3. Jordan 5 'Fire Red'
Michael Jordan wore them in the 1989-1990 NBA Season. That was the first year that Phil Jackson coached the Bulls. They reached the Easter Conference Finals against the eventual back-to-back champions, the 'Bad Boys' Detroit Pistons. Tinker Hatfield designed this shoe inspired by Word War II bomber planes. It also has that iconic red "shark teeth" at the midsole.
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#4. Jordan 4 'Bred'
What shoe did Michael Jordan wear during 'The Shot'? Before I answer, here's another trivia. 'Bred' is short for black and red. The Jordan 4 'Bred' is a popular sneaker in the Air Jordan line. Michael Jordan wore the 'Bred' during 'The Shot' over Craig Ehlo in the 1989 Playoffs. 'The Shot' is very iconic. You still see it on TV/YouTube/TikTok to this day.
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#5. Jordan 11 'Concord'
Michael Jordan wore the Jordan 11 "Concord" during the 1995-1996 NBA Season. That is the historic 72-win season of the Chicago Bulls. Has that record been broken? Some say it has. Some say it hasn't. In the 2015-2016 Season, the Golden State Warriors, led by Steph Curry, had a 73-win season. However, they failed to win the NBA Championship against LeBron and the Cavaliers. The Bulls won the 1995-1996 Championship against the Seattle Super Sonics led by Gary Payton and Shawn Kemp. BTW, I hope Seattle gets an NBA team soon.
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#6. Jordan 6 'Black Infrared'
Michael Jordan wore them during the 1991 NBA Finals. That was a very historic NBA Championship because two reasons: 1) it's the first Championship of Michael Jordan, and 2) Jordan vs Magic.
Jordan vs Magic
The NBA was already popular back then, but Jordan vs Magic elevated the league's popularity to new heights. Some say this rivalry gave the NBA a global audience. There was a number of compelling storylines in Jordan v Magic.
Past vs Present: The Lakers had 5 Championships in the 80s, led by Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. They were a dynasty. But it's the 90s now. There's a new sheriff in town. Or is there? Can Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls dominate? Or will the Lakers continue their dynasty well into the 90s.
Batman vs Superman?: Michael v Magic was an iconoclast. It was clash of the titans. They were two mega superstars that got a lot of media attention. They also have distinct 'superpowers' in the basketball world. Michael Jordan was a very talented scorer. His gravity-defying dunks and 'circus shot' layups still impress NBA fans today, even after a lifetime of watching Kobe, Lebron, and Steph Curry highlights. Magic Johnson was a very talented passer. His assists are effective. It's not just fancy and entertainming. It actually leads to winning team basketbal. Magic Johnson was an integral part of the Showtime Lakers. Magic was also very charismatic and magnetic off the court. I highly recommend the 'Winning Time' series, even if you're not a basketball fan.
Can Michael Jordan Win a Championship?: In today's world, Michael Jordan is a legend. But that was not the case in 1991. Back then, he was a very talented scorer, possibly the greatest basketball player of all time, who hasn't won the NBA Championship even after seven years in the league. Here are some of the media narrative about Michael Jordan back then.
"Magic Johnson won a Championship in his rookie year."
"Maybe he doesn't play 'winning basketball.'"
"Maybe he needs to pass the ball more."
"Maybe he's just not a team player."
The Michael vs Magic rivalry, and the eventual win of Michael Jordan of his first NBA Title, is sports at its best. Sports is real life drama. Its a compelling storyline that captivated people, not just in America, but people around the world. BTW, kids, there was no internet or League Pass back then. You had to watch the game whatever that time was in your time zone.
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#7. Jordan 1 Retro High 'Pine Green'
I like this one. I call it 'The Starbucks.' Michael Jordan never wore this one. It was released in 2018 and 2020 (with slight variations). But who knows? Maybe someday we'll see Michael Jordan wearing the 'Pine Green.' Also, green is a pretty unique colorway for sneakers. Do you or have you ever owned a green pair of sneakers? I haven't. --------------------------
#8. Air Jordan 3 Retro 'UNC'
I need your help with this one. There are things I know and things I can't confirm. Here's what we know. The Air Jordan 3 Retro 'UNC' is an homage to Jordan's alma mater University of North Carolina. That's why it has the UNC colors of blue and white. That's nice. I like that. It can serve as an inspiration to UNC College Kids for generations to come. When did Michael Jordan wear them? That's the part I can't confirm. Some sources say he hasn't. Some sources say there was an NBA game where people saw him wearing them. Some sources say that he visited students or hometown kids, and they saw him wearing the 'UNC.' If you have any info, especially with evidence, let me know. Comment below or Tweet me @JaysGeronca.
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#9. Jordan 11 'Bred'
By now, you know what 'Bred' means 😉. What sneakers did Michael Jordan wear when he beat the Seattle Super Sonics in the NBA Finals? Well, you got your answer. Michael wore the Jordan 11 'Bred' during the 1995 - 1996 NBA Season; he wore the Jordan 11 'Bred' and 'Concord'. He mostly wore the 'Bred' during the Championship.
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#10. Air Jordan 4 Retro ‘What The’
Michael Jordan has never worn the Air Jordan 4 Retro ‘What The.' The concept is to combine different colorways and combine them into one shoe. I'm not a fan of this design. It looks like generic sneakers that kids wore back in the 90s. But some people find it unique and eye-catching. To each his own, I guess. Also, it did have high-demand during its 2019 release. It's also considered a collector's item today.
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#11. Jordan 1 Retro High ‘Shadow’
Michael Jordan has never worn the 'Shadow.' But you know what, I like this one. I think it's cool and sleek. Black leather makes the upper. Premium suede with a medium gray color makes the overlays. Black leather also made the swooshes and tongue tags. The 'Shadow' has been rumored/seen worn by Dwyane Wade, Kyrie, Tatum, and Trae Young.
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#12. Air Jordan 1 Retro ‘Shattered Backboard’
I can't believe Shaq doesn't have a ‘Shattered Backboard’ sneaker. But you know who has? Michael Jordan. That's why he's the GOAT. He never wore the 'Shattered Backboard,' but he wore an orange and black jersey when he shattered a backboard in Italy in 1986 at an exhibition game. I love that story. Orange is not my color, but I love this one. Shaq does have the Shaqnosis sneaker. Some say this is a tribute to his shattered backboards. But Reebok, the company behind the Shaqnosis, did not officially declare that. --------------------------
#13. Jordan New Beginnings Pack Retro High 1 & Nike Air Ship
Michael Jordan did not wear this particular sneaker. He wore the Nike Air Ship during his rookie season and then shifted to the Air Jordan 1 in 1985. The Jordan New Beginnings Pack Retro High 1 & Nike Air Ship is collectible. It commemorates the 35th Anniversary of Michael Jordan's rookie season. It was a limited release that sold out fast.
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#14. Jordan 4 Retro ‘Black Cat’
Michael Jordan never wore this shoe. I like the design. It's cool, slick, and sleek. It's not an all-black sneaker. It's officially black and light graphite in terms of colorways. 'Black Cat' was another nickname for MJ, though I would argue that His Airness, Air Jordan, and The GOAT are more iconic. They called him 'Black Cat' because Michael Jordan was a dominant and powerful player who was also very graceful.
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#15. Air Jordan 1 Retro ‘Royal’
What is Michael Jordan's favorite Jordans colorway? Well, it's the 'Royal.' We have to respect that. I also like that it's called 'Royal' because it's royal blue. That's cool. Michael was photographed wearing them in 1985 and it became viral, whatever viral meant back in those days. However, he never wore them on the court.
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#16. Jordan 6 Retro ‘DMP’
Michael Jordan never wore the 'DMP.' They released it in 2006 as part of the 'Defining Moments Pack' celebrating his three-peat Championship with the Bulls.
SHORT BREAK: Why Are Sneaker Colors Called Colorways? Colorways are the specific color combinations on a sneaker. People believe it originated from the fashion industry about ways to style a garment. The sneaker industry adopted the term in the 80s when big brands started creating a variety of colorways in sneakers.
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#17. Jordan 13 Retro Low ‘Chutney’
Michael never wore the 'Chutney.' However, this is pretty popular among fans. I love it. The difference between this and the traditional 13 is the cut. The classic one is a high-top. Although they call this a Low 'Chutney.' it's more of a mid-top than a low-top sneaker.
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#18. Jordan 1 Retro High ‘Dior’
Michael never wore the 'Dior' on the court, but he wore them a few times, mostly in high fashion events like the Dior Men's Fashion Show in Paris or the MET Gala. The shoe is a collaboration between the Jordan Brand and Dior. It is considered one of the most exclusive and valuable (expensive) sneakers ever made. It was released in 2020 and retailed for $2000 on a limited lottery release. In 2021, a pair sold for $100,000 at an auction.
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#19. Jordan 3 Retro ‘Knicks’
I never thought there would be Jordan sneakers called 'Knicks.' The 'Knicks' is a tribute to the Knicks. The New York Knicks, led by Patrick Ewing, was one of Jordan and the Bull's biggest rivalries in the 90s. They competed in the Playoffs many times. In a way, I think this is also Michael's tribute to the director, and most popular Knicks fan, Spike Lee. Spike directed a series of commercials for Jordan and Nike.
Michael Jordan, Spike Lee, and Mars Blackmon?
Who is Mars Blackmon? Spike Lee created the Mars Blackmon character for the 1986 film 'She's Gotta Have It.' Mars Blackmon was so popular that Nike approached Lee to use him in a series of Nike commercials.
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#20. Air Jordan 1 Retro High ‘Rust Pink’
Michael never wore the 'Rust Pink.' I like this one. The rust pink shade with white and black colorways blend well together. The 'Rust Pink' was a limited release in 2017 that quickly sold out. People love it, including DJ Khaled.
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#21. Jordan 5 Retro ‘Off-White Black’
Michael Jordan never wore the 'Off-White Black.' Released in 2020, this was a collaboration between Virgil Abloh's Off-White Label and the Jordan Brand. The original Jordan 5 inspired this sneaker. It features several Off-White signature design elements: the exposed foam, zip-tie laces, and the deconstructed tongue. It was a limited release that sold out quickly. The closest that Jordan wore the 'Off-White Black' was in a 2021 commercial for this sneaker. In the commercial, Michael wore Jordan 5s similar to the Off-White; however, this was a custom pair that Nike made for Michael.
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#22. Air Jordan 12 Retro ‘Reverse Taxi’
Michael Jordan did not wear the 'Reverse Taxi.' The 'Reverse Taxi' is a flipped version of the original 'Taxi' colorway that Jordan wore in the 1996-1997 NBA Season. They won the NBA Championship that season against the Utah Jazz leb Karl Malone and John Stockton. The 'Reverse Taxi' was very popular and sold out quickly.
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#23. Jordan 1 Retro High ‘Spider-Man Origin Story’
What Jordans would Spider-Man wear? Well, we have our answer. MJ never wore the ‘Spider-Man Origin Story’. But maybe Spider-Man's MJ did. Who knows? It was released in 2018 to celebrate the release of the animated film Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse. The colorways of this shoe were similar to the Spider-Man costume that Miles Morales wore.
"Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships.”
Michael Jordan
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