Air Jordan Sneakers

In 1997, Nike and Jordan Brand agreed to let the Air Jordan line operate independently. The decision was a bold one that demonstrated Nike’s confidence in the brand. At the time, it was widely believed that Michael Jordan’s basketball career would end during the 1997-98 season. Nike needed to do something big to let consumers know that its Jumpman logo wasn’t going anywhere–it was here to stay. Jordan Brand was more than willing to accept this fact and work with Nike on their own separate path.

Survival of the Fittest

To survive separately from Nike, they would need talent from the sports world to endorse their company’s products. The first group of athletes to join Jordan Brand included basketball stars Vin Baker, Eddie Jones, Derek Anderson, Michael Finley, and Ray Allen. The group was young and full of potential at the time. They all had a strong competitive nature and skill sets that were electrifying to watch. The youthful group also personified elegance–on and off the court. That collection of players, known as the “Class of 1997,” represented everything that Air Jordan stood for.

Other sports than basketball

When the Jordan brand was first established with Nike, it was only known as a basketball sneaker. To survive as a company, they had to branch out into other sports. Boxer Roy Jones and football player Randy Moss were among the first non-basketball athletes to join the brand. Having players from all over the sports world increased exposure for Jordan Brand and gave them the opportunity to create sneakers that could be used for a wide range of athletic activities.

Shift in sneakers

The company started producing running shoes, training sneakers and many more non-basketball specific pieces of footwear. Baseball icon Derek Jeter was also one of the first athletes to join Jordan Brand, which wasn’t affiliated with the NBA at the time. Jeter held a place in the world of sports that is like Michael Jordan’s. He was a champion who always seemed to be at his best in big moments. The brand benefited greatly from being associated with one of the most universally loved baseball players ever.

Collabs with Air Jordan

In recent years, Air Jordan collaborations have become more common. The results are some of the most expensive and rarest shoes in the market. The brand’s collaborative partners have included Dior and Off-White. In 2005, Undefeated put a militaristic take on an Air Jordan 4 silhouette; next came a collaboration with Eminem. Since that time, many other brands and rappers have collaborated with Jordan brand.

Future Air Jordan releases

For all future releases, you are at the right spot. We have made a releasecalendar and sneakernews, so you can easily check out where and when the newest Jordan’s will be releasing. With this also comes a full raffle list, so you always have a chance of copping yourself a brand-new pair of sneakers for retail. Check out all our Jordans here: Jordan 1, Jordan 2, Jordan 3, Jordan 5, Jordan 6, Jordan 9, Jordan 11.