Air Jordan, the man and the 23 shoes that changed footwear forever.

Nike 23Air Jordan Shoes

March madness is correct around the corner, and you are certain to discover a pair of Nike Air Jordan’s on numerous college athletes.  Before we begin with Michael and his shoes, let’s rewind a couple of years, speak about Nike and how it all came about.  The year was 1959 and Phil Knight had just written a paper, not just any paper but 1 which became the blue-print for Nike.  Nike’s mission is to make fantastic shoes for remarkable athletes.  Who would have thought it all began with a boring kitchen appliance – a waffle iron.  For the founders, no shoes were very good sufficient or light enough.  Guess it was time to pass the syrup.

In Greek the word “Nike” means victory.  Carolyn Davidson developed the logo.  35 dollars is all that was paid for the now infamous Nike logo.  In English, I think that means “good deal.”

Michael Jordan never wore a pair of Nike’s until he signed with them and scary to think that he virtually signed with Adidas.   On this the 23rd of February, we wanted to feature the initial 23 pairs of Air Jordan shoes in the number 23.  Most of these shoes entered the market in February and we thought it was only fitting.  From the beginning of the “2” to the bottom of the “3” are some of the most amazing shoes on the planet.  We will highlight a couple of of our personal favorites, and the rest are for you to enjoy.

Air Jordan I.   The very first pair of Jordan’s created their debut in March of 1985.  The 1st and last shoe to bear the Nike Swoosh.  Black, red and awesome.

Air Jordan II.  Released in November, 1986, designer Bruce Kilgore ditched the logo and Michael flew from the foul line winning the dunk contest!

Air Jordan III. Released in February, 1988.  Tinker Hatfield was the designer for the 1988 Jordan III.  Tinker, if you are reading, thank you.  Thanks for designing this shoe and the iconic logo figure we all know as the “jumpman.”

Air Jordan IV. Released in February, 1989 (My personal favorites) I bear in mind the occasion well.  I had to convince my mom that I necessary these shoes.  Somehow after a lot persuading, begging and promising, we walked out of the store with my new pair.  Though they are worn, tattered and barely intact I still have them nowadays.

Air Jordan V. Released February 1990.  I don’t forget first seeing these shoes featured on a full-page ad in Sports Illustrated.  They couldn’t come soon enough.  Tinker, thanks again.  His design inspiration came from the P-51 Mustang fighter Air plane.  I thought I could fly like one too.

Air Jordan XI.  In November, 1995 came the Air Jordan #11,  This was Jordan’s tribute to formal dress.  With Patent leather on the front, not only was this the shiniest shoe on the court, but became the most iconic of all the Nike Air Jordan’s.  It even became fashion appropriate to wear a tuxedo.  Even though Jordan was dominating the court, “boys to men” had been dominating something else as the first to wear the shoe with a tux.

Air Jordan XX3.  February, 2008 Michael Jordan’s Air 23 arrive.  These Jordan’s featured Michael’s thumb print, slightly modified, so no one could copy it – phew, those guys at Nike believe of every thing.   Some folks waited in line for FIVE days when these shoes had been released.  Us?  Well, we just waited lengthy sufficient for them to be listed on eBay.  The Air Jordan 23’s are most effective shoes in all of sports.  Mr. Hatfield said that the 23’s are the most stunning shoes of all of the Jordan shoes.  Don’t forget, he’s a designer, so we better take his word for it!

Here is to you Mr. Jordan the 23, Jumpman, shoes of the day!

Is it the shoes?