History of the Air Jordan Brand (Air Jordan 4)

Michael Jordan continues to dominate the league in 1989 with the release of his next shoe the Air Jordan 4. Another great design by Tinker Hatfield, this particular shoe was the first Air Jordan released on a global market. However, the critics loved the Cushioning sole and the bold design. Straps were included on the side for added support, making it nearly impossible to role your ankle in these kicks.

1989 was a great and another record setting year for MJ. Not only did he win another scoring title with
32.5 ppg, he also was voted to another all-star game, First team All NBA, and the All-Defensive team. The only Michael didn't really achieve was bringing home the hardware that mattered. However, Jordan did sport the AJ4 when he made the astonishing buzzer beater to advance the Bulls to the next round in the playoffs. This moment was dubbed "The Shot".

                                     





Also Brand Jordan teamed up with Spike Lee and his character Mars Blackmon once again to promote the AJ4. They released the famous Can/Can't commercial which set new records for advertising for the company. Lee like the shoe so much that he even featured it in his movie "Do the Right Thing". Sneaker Enthusiasts can all recall the character in the movie "Buggin' Out" flipping out on a bicyclists after he scuffs up his brand new pair of AJ4's. He then whips out a toothbrush and places his foot on a fire hydrant and starts to clean away.
                                                  CLASSIC AIR JORDAN MOMENT.

History of the Air Jordan Brand (Air Jordan 3)

The Air Jordan 3 released in 1988 is hands down one of the most popular Jordans created to this date. This was the first shoe designed by the legendary former architect Tinker Hatfield. Tinker is as important to the Jordan Brand as is Kobe Bryant to the Lakers. He was the designer of the most popular and best-selling Jordans ever released.

This sneaker was definitely one of a kind and considered possibly legendary. It featured a never before seen visible air unit, a trend for Jordan sneakers that followed. The Air Jordan 3 also showed off a new a Jumpman logo and a very appealing elephant trim around the shoe. Michael had another great season while debuting his latest signature sneaker. Not only did he win his 2nd Dunk Contest award, Michael managed to become the leagues Most Valuable Player and Defensive Player of the Year.

 

Also what raised Michael and the Air Jordan Brand to iconic status was the help of Spike Lee with an ad campaign for the AJ3. In the commercials Spike played a character named "Mars Blackmon" after the character he played in "She's gotta have it". Mars was a funny, sports loving, die-hard Knicks fan who bugged MJ every chance he got. The "Mike and Mars" campaign still is one of the most successful ad campaigns for Nike as of today.

The Air Jordan 3 is one of the most celebrated and coveted Jordans to ever drop. It was the beginning of  the legendary relationship between the Jordan Brand and Tinker Hatfield, and it was the start of many more achievements to come for Michael Jordan.

Team Jordan

When the Air Jordan division of Nike became its own sub-brand in 1987. With this major change Michael Jordan was able to endorse other athletes of various sports. This was the first time the world had a chance to see another athlete market the Air Jordan products. Jordan called on world class superstars like Ray Allen, Derek Jeter, and Warren Sapp. These players received special "Player Edition" Air Jordan sneakers.

Now that the brand has grown even larger since it went independent in '97, the team has gotten a lot larger. Some athletes even have their own signature show including NBA stars Carmelo Anthony, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Paul.

 

Jordan has even gone as far as to sponsor certain college basketball teams such as his Alma Mater, the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill.

As you can see the legacy of Brand Jordan is in great hands.

History of the Air Jordan Brand Part 2 (Air Jordan 2 )

The Air Jordan 2 was designed by Bruce Kilgore and released during the 1986/1987 season. Although it isn't one of the most popular Jordan's, it definitely is one of the most diverse sneakers of its time. For one the shoe was created in Italy by popular Italian leather makers. The shoe featured faux Lizard skin and was the only Jordan to not have the usual Jumpman logo on it.

MJ was blessed with many achievements while sporting the unique Air Jordan 2. He was awarded the slam dunk appearance, named to the all-star game, and picked for first team all NBA.

History of the Air Jordan Brand Part 1 (Air Jordan 1)

He was the greatest to ever play the game. Til this day, no one has ever been able to come close to his legacy no matter how many championships they get (this one's for you Kobe). Michael Jeffrey Jordan was on of the most strategically marketed athletes during his tenure. Jordan's most financially rewarding endorsement was his shoe deal with Nike. The brand started in 1985 with the release of the Air Jordan I. The shoe was praised for its revolutionary design, but banned by the NBA because it did not comply with the leagues uniform rules. Michael was fined five thousand dollars each game he wore the Bulls inspired vibrant red and black sneaker.

Jordan actually wore the Air Jordan during his first big career achievement in the league playoffs against the Boston Celtics in 1986. MJ scored a playoff record 63 points against the green gang from Boston, something no one had really seen since Wilt Chamberlain's monumental 100 point game.

The Air Jordan I was the beginning of something legendary between Michael and the Nike company. Air Jordans are basically a way life today. A style that all type of people can relate to. The brand has grown from one shoe to almost hundreds. There are only 23 actual Air Jordan shoes, but of course Nike and brand Jordan couldn't just stop producing the heat.

Be sure to check my future post to learn more about the legendary Jordan Brand and the legend himself.