Air Jordan is a brand synonymous with style, performance, and prestige. Many are confused about the relationship between Nike and Air Jordan, and if you’re one of them here is what you need to know. They are not two separate companies, but two distinct brands under the same corporate umbrella.
Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight founded Blue Ribbon Sports in 1964 and in 1971 the company rebranded as Nike. While Nike’s popularity was growing in the world of athletic footwear, a basketball player named Michael Jordan, a rookie in the NBA was taking the world by storm. In 1984, Nike signed a deal with him, which led to the creation of the Air Jordan line of sneakers.
At the time, Converse was the official show of the NBA and the Jordans easily stood out on the court. Nike had just invented air soles and MJ was known for his ability to get great height while dunking, and that’s how they got the name Air Jordan.
The Air Jordan 1 was the first Air Jordan shoe, released in 1985, that incorporated his unique style and preferences and instantly became a cultural phenomenon. Over the years, the brand has evolved and expanded its product offerings, and today there are many different designs to choose from. Before it turns into a daunting task, here are a few tips that may help you buy mens Nike Air Jordans.
What You Need to Know About Nike Air Jordans Before Buying a Pair
Js, Jordans, Jumpans, Jays, no matter what you call them, everybody has heard about Nike’s iconic Air Jordan sneakers and has probably owned at least a pair. Most Air Jordans are labelled 1 to 39, their edition numbers. There are 39 editions so far, with a new one coming out every year since the Air Jordan 1 was released. There are different colourways and collaborations within each edition, which means there are more than 35 different types of the sneaker. Each one of them has a different design, both aesthetically and functionally.
Colourways
With hundreds of colourways and a ton of silhouettes released every year, it’s hard to decide which pair to choose. You can find men’s Nike Air Jordans in your favourite colour combinations or choose a pair with a good story behind it. The overall design for an edition usually remains the same, but the colour patterns change. The unique colour combination on any given pair of Js is what makes them special.
For Air Jordan 1, there are 23 different colourways. Some colourways like Bred (the black/red colourway, the signature colours for the Chicago Bulls) or Chicago (the black/white/red colourway that Michael Jackson wore during the 1985 season) are always popular. At the end of the day, what matters most is that you like them and they look good to you, whether that is for everyday wear or to flex in a collection.
Collabs and Player Editions
If you see a pair of Nike Air Jordans with another name than Michael Jordan’s attached to them, you’re probably looking at collaboration or a player edition. Collaboration is where a celebrity, usually a rapper or fashion designer, helps design their own pair of sneakers, while a player edition is designed to honour an athlete.
Heights
Nike Air Jordan shoes typically come in three core heights – high, mid and low. The high has been very popular as it embodies the iconic style of the brand, but the fact of the matter is all heights are fairly popular these days.
How to Choose the Perfect Pair
Buy from a Trusted Retailer
When buying men’s Nike Jordan online, the first thing to do is look up authorised retailers that offer fast and easy exchanges.
Select the Right Size
Measure your fit and follow the size chart carefully before ordering a pair. If your foot is wider, you can go up half a size.
Make Sure They Complement the Fit
Wearing your multi-coloured Jordans with everything is not such a good idea, so sometimes it may be better to stick to neutral colours like black, white, or grey. But if you really like a pair in an orange colourway, let’s say, go for it, but try to keep your fits neutral. A black or white T-shirt, blue or black jeans, and you’re all set. Sometimes it’s a much better solution than trying to match the exact shade from head to toe. An overly coordinated fit may do the opposite of its intended purpose and can look a bit overdone. You can always match the colour of the shoes to an accessory like a hat or a backpack. A T-shirt with subtle details that use the same colour instead of a brightly coloured T-shirt can go perfectly with your colourway Js.
Final Thoughts
The Air Jordan line of sneakers was specifically designed for Michael Jordan and is known for its high-quality materials, limited-edition releases and collaboration with other designers and artists. It caters to the basketball market and over the years has become a symbol of authenticity and exclusivity. It played a significant role in shaping the athletic footwear industry and continues to push boundaries with innovative designs and marketing strategies, representing excellence, performance and a passion for the game.
