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AIR JORDAN – HISTORY OF THE FRANCHISE

Before the , all were . This simple statement only begins to describe the sheer magnitude of the changes that were about to occur to the sport of basketball and to the athletic footwear industry once entered the league. Since Michael’s arrival and the launch of the AIR JORDAN franchise, both the game and the industry have been utterly transformed.

Each year, a new AIR JORDAN is unveiled. An annual event since its debut in 1985, each unveiling has been met with ever-increasing anticipation from the media, the industry, and the buying public. AIR JORDANs perennially dominate the market in sales and demand, establishing with each year’s model higher benchmark standards in design, innovation and performance for the entire athletic footwear industry. At the heart of the franchise is the perfect synergy between athlete and – Michael Jordan, the greatest player in the , and the shoes he’s worn throughout his illustrious career that epitomize his relentless dedication to performance, innovation and achievement.

Today’s AIR JORDANs continue to build the franchise’s rich history of innovative design and uncom- promising performance. Inspired by the greatest to ever play the game, the franchise continues to lead and shape the athletic footwear industry into the future. As Michael’s legend continues to grow, his legacy in the AIR JORDAN franchise lives on.

AIR JORDAN I: 1984-85 (March 1985, $65) It all starts here. A legendary franchise, as both a high performance footwear line and as cultural icon, is launched. So revolutionary for its day, they are banned by the NBA for violating its “uniformity of uniform” rule. Michael wears them anyway, incurring a $5,000 fine per game. Likewise, MJ unveils his revolutionary style of play to the league and at large, making his first All- game appearance, earning Rookie of the Year honours and in- spiring legend Larry Bird to observe one performance as “God disguised as Michael Jordan.”

AIR JORDAN II: 1986-87 (November 1986, $100) The ’86-87 season is a breakthrough year for MJ, and his assault on the record books begins. Along with a return trip to the All-Star game, Michael wins his first Contest and claims his first in a series of scoring titles. Averaging 37.1 points per game, he becomes the first NBA player since Wilt Chamberlain to top 3,000 points in a season. And he does it all in a pair of embossed leather kicks made by the master shoemakers of . AIR JORDAN III: 1987-88 (February 1988, $100) With big time innovation and lethal good looks, this is the first designed by and features visible Nike Air and decorative synthetic elephant skin. Another milestone design element is the introduction of the iconic Jump- man logo. This is the season in which as “ Blackmon” makes his first appearance in Nike television ads, sparking a huge cult following. MJ steals the show this season by snagging his first NBA MVP award, Defensive Player of the Year honors, and another Slam Dunk trophy. In an interview with SLAM magazine, Michael cites the AJIII as one of his all-time favourites and in 2005 viewers of ESPN agreed, voting it the greatest sneaker of all time.

AIR JORDAN IV: 1988-89 (February 1989, $100) As cool as its breathable mesh inserts and featuring super-steady stabilization straps and ultra-cushioned soles, Tinker Hatfield creates a sneaker custom- made for fluidity, rhythm and grace. Michael makes it a reality with a series of gravity-defying dunks which, along with the distinctive tongues, were fast becoming a trademark. Spike once again pays fond homage when he fea- tures the AJIV in a scene from his movie “Do The Right Thing”, while more recently rapper Slick Rick announces his intention to purchase the entire 2006 retro line. With the IV, AIR JORDANs truly enter the modern cultural lexicon.

AIR JORDAN V: 1989-90 (February 1990, $125) With fit-enhancing lace locks, reflective tongue and clear rubber outsoles for sole-to-the-hole traction, MJ and Hatfield once again surpass previous designs with these new innovations. Michael pilots his way to a career- high 69 points against Cleveland and his fourth scoring total with an average of 33.6 points per game. Design inspiration came from World War II Mustang fighter planes, as seen in the shark teeth profile on the midsole.

AIR JORDAN VI: 1990-91 (February 1991, $125) After seven years in the league, Michael leads the Bulls to a 4-1 victory over Magic Johnson’s LA Lakers for their first NBA championship. It would be a fitting ‘passing of the torch’ from the dominant Showtime team of the ‘80s to MJ’s and the Bulls’ dominance of the ‘90s. Along the way, he snags his fifth scoring title, his second league MVP Award, another NBA All-Star placing and is awarded the Finals MVP.

AIR JORDAN VII: 1991-92 (February 1992, $125) With a form-fitting neoprene sock liner, the AIR JORDAN VII gives new meaning to the word ‘comfort’. Meanwhile, the Bulls dominate the 1991-92 season and Michael continues to redefine the game of basketball and make it his own. What to do for an encore? ‘His Airness’ laces up this year’s model for a second championship ring and his sixth scoring title, not to mention a short hop over to Barcelona to collect some highly prized Olympic Gold as part of the USA’s legendry ‘Dream Team’. AIR JORDAN VIII: 1992-93 (February 1993, $140) AIR JORDAN VIII is the first to feature anti-inversion cross-over leather, Velcro straps and thickened padding for added support and stability. The VIII is only issued in three different color combinations, making it one of the franchise’s most sought after. Michael enters the ’93 playoffs in high- flying fashion, setting a Finals scoring record and lighting up the Suns for 41.0 ppg on his way to claiming his third consecutive title.

AIR JORDAN IX: 1993-94 (February 1993, $125) Nine years of refinement produces this minimalist classic, complete with an outsole featuring symbols and languages of numerous . Michael helps design it and loves it unreservedly, yet for the first time never wears it in competition. Its November 1993 release follows his retirement the previous month following back-to-back-to-back championships and countless individual awards and accolades. MJ turns to pursue a child- hood dream and embarks on a minor league career. Naturally, the AJIX is redesigned as a baseball .

AIR JORDAN X: 1994-95 (November 1994, $125) The comeback shoe. It’s dunk déjà vu as Michael returns from the diamond for a return flight to the top. He issues a two-word press release to the world’s media: “I’m back.” Boasting full-length Nike Air cushioning, full grain leather uppers, speed lacing and an outsole listing the main man’s major hardwood feats, AJX is also issued in different colorways for different US cities.

AIR JORDAN XI: 1995-96 (November 1995, $125) Michael’s intuitive insight of bringing a “formal ” to the court serves as the inspiration for this remarkable rendition. Worn during his full return in the 1995-96 season, the XI quickly becomes one of the most popular AIR JORDANs of all-time. In another bold innovative step, the AJXI features patent leather for the first time in an athletic shoe, and a ‘secret weapon’ carbon-fibre spring plate and polymer-coated upper that refuses to stretch or lose its shape through MJ’s 72- win season and a fourth NBA title. MJ becomes only the second player ever to be crowned MVP for the season, the All-Star Game, and the Finals in a single season.

AIR JORDAN XII: 1996-97 (November 1996, $140) The first AIR JORDANs to utilize Zoom Air Technology for lightweight cush- ioning and lightning quick responsiveness. MJ wears them as he scores 38 points against the , including a three pointer in the dying seconds, despite being so ill with the flu he has to be helped off the floor after the game by teammate . AIR JORDAN XIII: 1997-98 (November 1997, $150) Extremely lightweight and responsive, the XIII takes its design inspiration from the black panther, and, of course, from Michael’s predatory nature and catlike quickness on the court. The shoe features sleek Zoom Air, a unique hologram that mimics the panther’s eye, and a carbon-fiber spring plate for more pounce in the paint. This season’s finale sees perhaps MJ’s most famous shot, in Game 6 of the Finals against Utah. (He actually wore an early release of the AIR JORDAN XIV in that game.) It proves to be the game winner, hand- ing the Bulls their third consecutive Championship. Chicago becomes the first team in NBA history to repeat the three-peat.

AIR JORDAN XIV: 1998-99 (October 1998, $150) Another leap of innovative design and engineering, the AJXIV is a high performance luxury ride, made of full-grain leather and featuring Zoom Air cushioning and medial air vents for breathability. Inspired by Michael’s love of cars, the AJ XIV takes on the stylish design of his very own Ferrari 550 M. Now elevated to iconic status thanks to MJ’s accomplishments, many collectors and sneaker experts rate the XIV as the most comfortable Jordans ever.

AIR JORDAN XV: 1999-00 ( 1999, $150) With a unique woven upper and aerodynamic design, the XV is inspired by two high-flyers: Michael Jordan and the ultra-fast X-15 fighter jet. The XV is inscribed with “23/6/15” down the heel in recognition of MJ’s jersey number/ championships won/model number of AIR JORDAN. Despite Michael’s absence from the game, this design proved to be as popular as ever.

AIR JORDAN XVI: 2000-01 (February 2001, $160) Combining some of the AIR JORDAN franchise’s most coveted features, the AJXVI represents ‘transition’, with a squarer toe, a return to visible Air and a unique, removable gaiter that transforms the XVI from a shoe into a game shoe. Designed for high performance, the XVI draws stylistic inspiration from automobiles, architecture and Michael’s move from the court to the front office as President of Basketball Operations with the .

AIR JORDAN XVII: 2001-02 (February 2002, $200) The comeback shoe (again). In anticipation of another return to the game he loves, Michael plays a pivotal role in the design of the XVII. The most expensive AIR JORDANs ever produced, this shoe is inspired by the char- acteristics of jazz – solid fundamentals, dazzling runs and lots of room for improvisation. At Washington, Michael reminds the world that he can still dunk. He scores his 30,000th career against his former team, the . The XVII comes in a metal case and includes an interactive CD-ROM. AIR JORDAN XVIII: 2002-03 (February 2003, $175) Yet another breakthrough in innovative footwear design. The first AIR JORDAN to employ a virtual one-piece upper, as well as a patented carbon-fibre Comfort Control Plate and dual-layer Zoom Air Technology for ultimate support and cushioning. Inspired by the aggressive and elegant styling of Italian race cars, the AJXVIII sets new standards in performance technology for all those who aspire to be the best. Michael plays in his last NBA season and last All-Star game in this shoe. He retires for a third and final time after playing his last game on April 16, 2003.

AIR JORDAN XIX: 2003-04 (February 2004, $165) Yet another breakthrough in innovative footwear design. The first AIR JORDAN to employ a virtual one-piece upper, as well as a patented carbon-fibre Comfort Control Plate and dual-layer Zoom Air Technology for ultimate support and cushioning. Inspired by the aggressive and elegant styling of Italian race cars, the AJXVIII sets new standards in performance technology for all those who aspire to be the best. Michael plays in his last NBA season and last All- Star game in this shoe. He retires for a third and final time after playing his last game on April 16, 2003.

AIR JORDAN XX: 2004-05 (February 2005, $175) The 20th Anniversary edition of the AIR JORDAN debuts with significant fanfare, celebrating the most successful basketball shoe ever. To mark the occasion Tinker Hatfield returns to the fold with the XX design, a shoe loaded with tech- nological innovations that simultaneously celebrates Michael’s career while looking to the future of basketball. Low-cut and partly inspired by motorcycling shoes, the strap on the upper has detailed laser etching that symbolizes mile- stones in MJ’s life and career. The outsole features an exclusive I.P.S. (Independent Podular Suspension) cushioning system that strategically places twenty columns of Phylon to compress and disperse shock and energy, enabling quick and responsive reactions to the highest performance needs of basketball.

AIR JORDAN XXI: 2005-06 (February 2006, $175) The AIR JORDAN XXI can best be described as an exploration into the DNA of what truly makes a . Celebrated as the height of on-court performance and innovative design, the AIR JORDAN XXI continues to build upon the I.P.S. cushioning technology along with revealing the fun- damental building blocks and core principles that continue to drive the Jordan brand into the future.

AIR JORDAN XX2: 2006-07 (February 2007, $175) The future is now and performance has been redefined. The AIR JORDAN XX2 offers customization for the player looking to model his game after the man, the player, the legend – Michael Jordan. Evolution of the I.P.S. now includes superior cushioning technology with visible interchangeable pillars that allow for two types of cushioning systems. A titanium reinforced shank plate offers midfoot and arch support. Inspired by the F-22 advanced stealth fighter jet, this shoe offers the ultimate in air superiority for the court.