There is no need to argue: Nike is one of the most popular rubber shoes brands of all time. But do you know that Nike wasn’t as popular as it is now? Yes, Nike had a taste of struggle, like any product in the consumer market. In fact, your favorite rubber shoes have a very interesting history. If you don’t know anything about the rubber shoes that most of your favorite athletes had worn, it is time for you to know it. Whether you weren’t born yet, or not yet interested with the basketball game at that time, whatever reason you have for not knowing– you really had missed a lot of action. You may not know it, but basketball and Nike was almost synonymous during the late 80s and early 90s. Let this article enlighten you about the story of Nike and Michael Jordan.
In the beginning, Nike was not big in the shoe market. During the early months of 1984, the brand had struggled to rise on the consumer market. But there came the hero of the basketball industry that saved the not so positive trend of Nike’s sale: Michael Jordan. Yes, the basketball legend is not just the king of the hard court— he was also the savior of Nike.
That year of 1984, Michael Jordan was just a rookie. Your favorite player of all time was hesitant to partner with Nike at first. Good thing Michael’s agent David Falk grabbed the chance. Little did Michael Jordan expect it – but, his partnership with Nike paved way to your desired line of soles, thus the birth of Air Jordans. The coolest thing that happened during those years was when Michael wore the Air Jordan I even during his game. Michael was reprimanded and was fined a whopping $5000 per game. But it gave more popularity to the Air Jordan brand so Nike was more than willing to pay the fines themselves.
Regarding the Nike jump man logo you are familiarized today, it wasn’t until 1987 that Nike started using it. Ten years later, Nike decided to make Jordan Air a sub-brand of Nike. Because of this, then came other Jordan Air sports items.
As of the moment, Jordan Air still releases new designs. It is still evident that a lot of the male population adore the shoe design, as more and more Jordan Air collectors emerge. Every time a new design is out, there are a lot of basketball fanatics like you and me who would do anything to get a pair. Some even ventured in to collecting vintage Jordan Air basketball shoes. The best about it is that designers actually get their inspiration from Michael himself. They ask Michael’s opinion and also get inspiration from Michael’s hobbies and movements.
Truly, if you are a hard core basketball fan, you would understand how Jordan Air shoes heighten your adrenaline. Your knowledge about Nike and Michael Jordan would definitely come in handy. It could be your source of inspiration; it could be your source of strength. Now that you know the whole story, I bet you would start collecting now.
